Angry employees picket at public works dept
Angry employees of the department of public works who belong to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) have started the next phase in their effort to have their voices heard when they started picketing on Tuesday, August 11.
POLOKWANE – Angry employees of the department of public works who belong to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) have started the next phase in their effort to have their voices heard when they started picketing on Tuesday, August 11.
The employees said their demands for the heads of the department, and MEC Jerry Ndou to be forced to come clean on alleged corruption in the department have gone unanswered by the authorities.
The employees also claimed that there had been unfair treatment – members of the union have been overlooked when it came to advancements and promotions. Other claims that some employees were overlooked for their mistakes, while others are reprimanded by means of disciplinary hearings.
They complained that a “jobs for friends”-policy ruled the department.
Other complaints included management not attending meetings or not coming to work most days.
Department spokesperson, Paena Galane, however, said the picket was illegal.
“The picketing taking place is illegal as the Nehawu head office branch has not followed proper processes as legislated in the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
“We will encourage the Nehawu head office branch to follow due process as enshrined in the LRA.
“A management labour consultative forum meeting was held, where Nehawu head office branch was represented, however they never raised any matter.
“The issue of picketing was not raised during this meeting.
“The department will continue to meet the management labour consultative forum meetings as scheduled.
“We would not promote any deficit of trust between management and labour,” Galane said.
Representatives of the union told Review the picketing would continue during lunch times to make sure that they are being heard.
The members confirmed this request saying that they would continue to picket during lunch breaks so as not to misuse company time, keeping them in the clear.
