The meeting is in response to threats by workers affiliated to the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union to down tools only a month before South Africans head to the polls.
The union’s spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said their demands included fair payment of bonuses, compensation for overtime and work done in special projects, and greater consultation with unions. The union was also asking for a fair implementation of the pool car system which currently left those without access to pool vehicles having to use their personal vehicles for work without being paid a car allowance.
Additionally, they demanded that the IEC’s current chairperson, Pansy Tlakula be axed
According to Pamla, at least 600 of the 900 employees of the commission who are represented by the union, have indicated that they will down tools if their demands are not met. However, the union ruled out a strike for the moment, explaining that strike action was not ideal as it would jeopardise the IEC’s work.
He said IEC management and the union had agreed to work towards resolving the members’ labour-related issues, but did not have a mandate to act against Tlakula.
Pamla, however, noted that if workers did resort to strike action the upcoming elections could put the creditability of the IEC and the elections in jeopardy.
“These technically, highly qualified, well experienced people. They are the people who operate the system, they know the job and will guide over 100 000 temporary workers during the elections, and also prevent incidents that might compromise the elections,” Phamla said.
“The workforce will be severely compromised if members go on strike.”
The commission had yet to respond to a request for comment on the workers’ strike threat.
