Officials picket over bonuses

Provincial Treasury officials were picketing outside the premises during lunch time on Tuesday demanding that the department pay them performance bonuses as promised on 30 June and again two weeks ago.
It was learned that employees have been on a go-slow for two months now and the National Health Education and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and Public Servants Association (PSA) resolved that employees should picket to get attention from the employer.
Two leaders, one from each of the unions, spoke to Polokwane Observer on condition of anonymity and said the employer claimed that employees owed the department money and had only paid a number of employees.
The unions sent a memorandum to the department on 4 September demanding that employees be paid what is due to them. Head of the Department (HOD) Gavin Pratt only re­sponded to the demands days later. In a confidential document signed by Pratt made available to Polokwane Observer, the department agreed to pay performance bonuses and normal pay progression for qualifying employees in the Persal pay run on 20 September.
Pratt apologised in the document saying, “I as the HOD herewith apologise for the manner in which I responded in your meeting and I trust that our relations can be conducive as we work through these challenging times [sic].”
This promise was not honoured and the unions are concerned over Pratt failing to keep the promise even after apologising. Workers threaten to continue with the struggle until their demands are met.
Provincial Treasury was contacted for comment but could not comment by the time of going to print.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za