‘No SAICWU majority rule here’

Friendship Haven made it clear that the South African Industrial Commercial and Allied Workers Union (SAICWU) does not have majority representation at the old age home as claimed.

In a statement released on 13 November 2016 the union said, “SAICWU membership is growing in big numbers and is already making inroads in companies. In the Randfontein context only, SAICWU as we speak is a majority union in many companies such as Friendship Haven” .

Amanda van Niekerk, Chief of Operations (COO) of Friendship Haven said this is not the case.

“The Mine, Engineering and Distributors Workers Union of South Africa (Medwusa) is represented and recognised as a sufficiently representative trade union within Friendship Haven since 2013, not SAICWU. We are, however, in the process of discussing the possibility of a recognition agreement between Friendship Haven and SAICWU.

We have Medwusa with whom we have a good relationship, why the need of another one?”

Regarding SAICWU’s demand of a R6 500 minimum wage in the manufacturing sector, Van Niekerk said, “We pay no less than the minimum wage in accordance with the Labour Relations Act. Being non-profitable and receiving a subsidy from the state it is not within our means to agree to the demand.”

Van Niekerk also mentioned that Friendship Haven’s relationship with SAICWU got off to an unfortunate start.

“The manner in which they wanted to start a relationship with the employer is concerning. We support the idea of trade union representation but we will not negotiate and recognise any trade union that does not have the best interests of the workers at Friendship Haven’s at heart.

“The safety of residents along with the rights of the workers and employment equity are high priority at Friendship Haven – that is what any trade union must keep in mind when sitting around the table to negotiate.”

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

Also read:

New union to take over majority in Randfontein

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