By Irma Venter.
BMW Group South Africa (BMW SA) on Monday confirmed protest action outside its plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, where the X3 model is produced for the local and export markets.
The local arm of the German premium car maker said the labour action was in response to an ongoing fraud investigation within the BMW Employees Medical Aid Scheme (BEMAS).
“We are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation to ensure that the rule of law is upheld,” noted the company.
“BMW Group South Africa will not tolerate any acts of bribery, fraud or corruption by its employees.
“All internal policies and procedures are being followed, and the necessary disciplinary action will be taken for any employee found in transgression of our disciplinary code.”
BMW SA denied that the protests were linked to job losses, and to the plant potentially cutting a shift within its Rosslyn operations.
“Should there be any termination of an associate’s contract due to the fraud investigation, we will recruit and upskill new associates, ensuring business continuity.
“The integrity of BEMAS is critical to our value proposition as an employer. Its core function is to guarantee that our employees and their families have access to the best possible healthcare, “noted the car maker.