Bishop Bavin staff demand 13th cheque
Workers want a bonus and increase and threaten to strike until their demands are met.
By February 8 it has been three days and general workers at Bishop Bavin were still on strike demanding their December bonus as well as an increase in their salaries.
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The protest action started on February 6.
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The National Democratic Change and Allied Workers Union (NDCAWU) and Federal Council of Retail and Allied Workers (FEDCRAW) are representing the grounds, cleaning and catering staff at the school.
According to a worker on strike, management informed workers that the school was not making enough money but they believe that this is not the case.
“We want transparency. They cannot say they are not making enough money and yet they have built more classrooms and hire electricians on contract while we have electricians who can do the job,” said the worker.
The worker alleged that they were only given a R1000 shopping voucher in December and not a 13th cheque.
“We will strike until they give us what we want.”
Below is a joint statement received from the Bishop Bavin Exco team in response to the NEWS’ media inquiry regarding the protest:
“Bishop Bavin School was notified by NDCAWU, the trade union representing our grounds, cleaning and catering staff that they would be embarking on a strike from 7am on February 6, 2018.
“Picketing outside the school grounds commenced early this morning (Tuesday). Bishop Bavin School adhered to the legal requirements concerning the strike action and we took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our learners, parents, educators and any staff who wished to remain working.
“The option to withhold labour was taken by staff after protracted negotiations, dating back to November last year, ended in deadlock.
“At schools such as Bishop Bavin, 70 per cent or more of their costs comprise salaries and wages, and so the impact of salary increases on total costs and hence school fees is significant.
“In an attempt to mitigate the increase in fees for parents, owing to the tough economic climate, a decision was taken by the Board of Governors, early in 2017, to contain school fee increases by limiting the increase of staff salaries and not awarding annual bonuses. This was communicated to all staff early in 2017, and it was applied equally to everyone, including educators, administrators, support staff and management. In spite of this, as a token of goodwill and in recognition for their hard work, a small bonus was paid to all staff (including union staff) in December 2017.
“The union would not accept these terms despite repeated meetings and have chosen to strike. We are hopeful that a settlement will be reached as soon as possible. Bishop Bavin School continues to operate as normal and we have put measures in place to ensure that essential services are provided for the duration of the strike.”
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