/ 13 June 2007

Class-action threat over ‘dop system’

A pressure group has threatened to bring a class action against the government and the wine industry over the issue of alcohol abuse among farm workers.

The Black Association of the Wine and Spirits Industry (Bawsi) called on Wednesday for the establishment of an industry fund to change people’s attitudes towards drinking, and to set up an institution to treat alcoholics.

It said the government and the industry were responsible for creating thousands of alcoholics through the notorious ”dop system”, which involved payment for work with wine.

Bawsi president Nosey Pieterse said failure to set up the fund would leave the body with no option but to lodge the class action. — Sapa