Some Transnet managers is once again ignoring the terms of a Labour Court Judgement against the state-owned-enterprise by attempting to force employees to take leave this Festive Season.
The United National Transport Union (UNTU) would like to point out to our members that the Labour Court already ruled that Transnet cannot unilaterally forced employees in low operational divisions to take leave over the Festive Season. Transnet did not appeal the judgement.
If your line manager of any other person therefore tries to force you to take leave which you did not request, please bring it to the attention of UNTU immediately by sending an e-mail to enquiries@untu.co.za.
Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says the Union is aware of the tendency of some line managers to ignore the judgement and did bring it to the attention of top management at a recent meeting of the Transnet Bargaining Council.
“If managers persist in misleading our members by trying to enforce leave illegally, UNTU will approach the Labour Court again for a Contempt of Court order against Siyabonga Gama personally in his position as the chief executive of Transnet,” says Harris.
Currently a Joint Task Team consisting of representatives of Transnet and UNTU are still considering the submissions of employees affected by the December 2015/January 2016 forced leave issue. There are still about 200 submissions to be considered.
Judge Connie Prinsloo, ruled last year that Transnet breached the terms of a Collective Agreement, when it unilaterally forced employees in low operational divisions to take leave over the December 2015/ January 2016 Festive Season.
According to the judgement, the Joint Task Team must consider the submissions and take a final decision on the appropriate relief.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Statements phone 082 463 6806 or e-mail sonja@untu.co.za
