The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa)’s acting CEO Collins Letsoalo has done very little to improve the working conditions or lives of the parastatals employees.
“All he did, in a desperate attempt to show off his new position, was to give out his cell phone number selectively to stakeholders to give him uncensored feedback on a daily basis of the continued deteriorating state of the passenger railway operator. The harsh reality is that Mr. Letsoalo he has done nothing to improve anything thus far, “says Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
Harris reacted on a circular sent by Letsoalo to his employees entitled “TIME TO PUT SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL” addressing the companies poor service delivery to commuters. “One can only expect employees to care if you care about them,” Harris says.
According to Harris Letsoalo‘s temporary appointment would have meant something if he had addressed the terrible security at railways stations which is endangering the lives of his staff and commuters every day.
“He also could have ensured that PRASA adhered to the collective agreements it has signed at the PRASA Bargaining Council to improve the working conditions of all employees. This is the real issues that are making employees negative about their future in the company. PRASA can only expect service delivery from its employees if their employer is able to deliver on its promises,” says Harris.
He emphasised that PRASA is blatantly ignoring the principles of Collective Bargaining, a cornerstone in the Constitution of our 22-year-old democracy. The company is also not adhering to the principals of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
For more information, phone Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
