OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Rescuers extend search area for eight missing fishermen

News24 reports that volunteers have joined in the search for eight missing fishermen in the vicinity of Cape St Francis after the search area was extended on day four of the recovery efforts.  This follows the capsizing of fishing vessel Maredon in the early hours of Sunday.  Sixteen people had been on board.  One person has been confirmed to have died and seven were rescued.  Eastern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Majola Nkohli on Wednesday said that, while police were leading the operation, a number of services were supporting them as the area was "huge", with the coastline of Jeffreys Bay having been included in the area to be combed.  Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana is expected to visit the families this week.

Read this report by Tammy Petersen in full at News24.  See too, Minister Zokwana to visit families of missing fishermen, at EWN

MINING LABOUR

NUM very concerned about ‘intimidation’ of workers at PMG mine

ANA reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Tuesday said it was “deeply worried” about intimidation, harassment, suspensions and assaults of its members by the mine management at the PMG mine in the Northern Cape.  The union alleged that the company has “employed the services of heavily armed security guards to harass, intimidate and assault NUM members at the mine.”  It went on to say that it was “deeply concerned” that a worker, who was assaulted by the security last week, was suspended on Tuesday morning after he had opened a case at the local police station.  He has apparently been charged with bringing the company into disrepute.  The union implored the Department of Mineral Resources to send its officials to the mine to check the health and safety of employees working there.

Read this report in full at The Citizen.  Read the NUM’s press statement in this regard at Cosatu Today

Zwane ups ante in fight with Chamber with proposal that would freeze mining transactions

BusinessLive reports that Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has upped the ante in the fight with the Chamber of Mines over the controversial third iteration of the Mining Charter.  On Wednesday, he gazetted a proposal to restrict the granting of new mining and permit rights as well as the transfer of mineral rights between companies.  The intended restriction would not be applicable to applications received and accepted before the date of publication of the notice.  The proposal would effectively freeze all mining transactions and bring further uncertainty and distress to an industry undermined by prolonged regulatory dithering around amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, which have been in the works since 2012, and the new Mining Charter.  One mining lawyer suggested Zwane was trying to force the Chamber into making concessions around the new charter.

Read this report by Allan Seccombe in full at BusinessLive

Other Mining Charter postings

• Nine recommended improvements should charter renegotiation ensue, at Mining Weekly
• ANCWL backs mining charter, hits out at Chamber of Mines, at EWN
• Mining Charter has already wiped out R50bn, at The Citizen

INDUSTRIAL ACTION / STRIKES / LOCK-OUTS

Police officers deployed to 10111 centres due to strike on Wednesday

News24 reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) has said that 10111 emergency call centres will operate as normal on Wednesday when an estimated 5,000 call centre operators go on strike.  Operators, represented by the SA Policing Union (Sapu), are calling on the SAPS to increase their current salary level from level 5 to level 7, an estimated increase of R50,000 per annum.  Operators are employed under the Public Service Act and are hence not considered an essential service.  SAPS spokesperson Sally De Beer advised that police officers would be deployed to 10111 call centres from Tuesday evening to fill the positions vacated by striking employees.  Sapu general secretary Oscar Skommere said the public should be frustrated with SAPS management for the strike and not with striking operators.  He said they have been negotiating with SAPS “for years”.

Read this report by James de Villiers in full at News24.  Read too, Popcru warns its members not to side with 10111 'rogues', at TimesLive

SAPS claims 10111 emergency line working fine despite strike

EWN reports that national police management says the 10111 emergency number is working fine despite a nationwide strike by call centre operators.  Operators affiliated to the SA Policing Union (Sapu) have gone on strike over a pay dispute.  When Eyewitness News called 10111, an operator answered after the first ring, possibly indicating contingency measures are mitigating the impact of the strike or that there are enough staffers still on duty to field calls.  Police spokeswoman Sally de Beer said:  “Where there are shortages, we have deployed additional members and all our 10111 centres are operational.”  Sapu has not indicated how long the industrial action will last.  The union is demanding that operators receive the same salary as a warrant officer in the police service.

This short report by Ilze-Marie Le Roux is at EWN

Popcru distances itself from 10111 strike by rival Sapu

eNCA reports that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has distanced itself from Wednesday's protest by emergency call centre workers.  The workers are demanding better salaries, saying that they want to be paid the same as employees at other government call centres and claiming that they have exhausted all avenues, leaving them with no choice but to shut down call centres.  Popcru on Wednesday released a statement distancing itself from the protest, saying it undermined ongoing efforts to resolve the issues.  Police say contingency plans are in place to ensure there are no disruptions at the call centres.  But, SA Policing Union (Sapu) general secretary Oscar Skommere said:  "The services will be interrupted.  These are professional workers who are trained to do their job.  We have sent out communication to access our provinces and there's a good response in terms of the turnout of workers who are undecided.”

Read this report in full at eNCA.  See too, Popcru accuses rival of 'jumping the gun' on 10111 strike, at eNCA

Hospersa wage strike at SANParks failed to get off the ground on Monday

Maroela Media reports that the management of SANParks indicated on Monday that all of its employees who were supposedly going to commence a strike reported for work.  SANParks reported on Friday that it had received an official strike notice from the Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) that the union’s members would go on strike on Monday over deadlocked wage negotiations.  Hospersa is demanding a 9% salary increase, while management is apparently offering 6% plus 1%.  Janine Raftopoulos, head of communications at SANParks, indicated that they received a request from the CCMA to meet on Tuesday to try and resolve the dispute.  She also said that picketing rules still had to be finalised.  According to Raftopoulos, they were monitoring the situation closely and had contingency plans if needed. (Loosely translated from Afrikaans)

Read this report in full in Afrikaans at Maroela Media.  See too, SANParks urges travellers to go ahead as planned despite strike notice, at The New Age

Illegal strike by Samwu workers over protective clothing continues unabated in Thabazimbi

SABC News reports that the illegal strike by members of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in the indebted Thabazimbi Municipality in Limpopo continues unabated.  The union is demanding protective clothing, especially for workers in the electrical and traffic departments.  The ongoing feud started about a week ago.  Samwu spokesperson Tumisang Pilane said “… we don't have protective clothing in the institution and that's making us to work under unsafe conditions.  And we cannot do that anymore that's why we're here waiting for the municipality to provide us with protective clothing.”

A short report by Michael Baloi is at SABC News

Strike at Pretoria zoo comes to an end with agreement

ANA reports that the strike at the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) of SA in Pretoria, which started earlier this month, has come to an end after management and employees affiliated to the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) reached an agreement.  Workers were set to resume duties on Wednesday.  The NZG said in a statement:  "Details of the negotiated settlement will be discussed with the NZG’s non-striking employees and other stakeholders.  The NZG would like to express it thanks to the members of the public for their support during this period.  It would also like to express appreciation to volunteers who aided the organisation."  The strike began on 8 July with workers demanding overtime pay for working on weekends.

This short report is at IOL News.  See too, Staking by dieretuin verby, at Netwerk24 (limit on access).  And also, Pretoria se dieretuin-staking verby, at Maroela Media

DA says Motsoaledi must act to prevent impending pathology strike

ANA reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to request urgent intervention from his department to avert the looming strike by pathologists at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).  The DA warned that a strike could have devastating consequences, "seeing that the NHLS is responsible for more than 80% of the country’s pathology diagnostic services".  DA MP Patricia Kopane said:  "The impending strike follows the National Health Laboratory Service’s admission that it would not be able to meet the 7.3% salary increase demanded by pathology professionals and their trade unions.  It was only able to offer 3%.  It is crucial that arrangements are made with private laboratories in advance, as a strike at the NHLS will be devastating for patients in need of urgent tests for HIV/Aids, Malaria, Cancer, and Multi-Drug Resistant TB."  The DA requested the minister to provide a detailed plan of action in order to mitigate the devastating consequences which will be caused by an NHLS strike.

Read this report in full at IOL News.  See too, Pathology strike over low wage hikes would seriously harm sick patients, at BusinessLive.  And also, Motsoaledi ‘moet ingryp’ in staking van laboratorium-werkers, at Netwerk24 (limit on access).  As well as, Patoloë dreig om nasionaal te staak, at Maroela Media

Other internet posting(s) in this news category

• Mortuary workers accuse trade unions of 'selling out', at The Mercury

BARGAINING COUNCILS

Numsa warns 'intransigent' employers of possible strike in metal and engineering sector

ANA reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) on Tuesday slammed "intransigent" employers in the metal and engineering sector and warned of a "total shutdown" in the industry.  A dispute exists between the parties in the sector following deadlock in wage negotiations last month.  Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said that after four dispute resolution meetings the union failed to reach any agreement with employers represented in the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).  Jim claimed that employers were “imposing a strike onto us” because of the “absurd offer” they have placed on the table.  Numsa is demanding a 15% wage increase across the board based on actual rates rather than minimum rates.  Employers have proposed, among other things, a three-year wage agreement with a 5.3% wage hike across the board for the first year of the agreement based on minimum rates.

Read this report by Siphelele Dludla in full at IOL News

Impending strike could lead to more lay-offs in steel industry, Solidarity warns

Engineering News reports that trade union Solidarity on Monday said the impending strike in the steel industry would have a negative impact, both on the domestic steel industry, the country’s economy and job opportunities in the sector.  This came after the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) pledged its support to the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) as far as Numsa’s planned strike action in the metals and engineering industry was concerned.  Solidarity’s Marius Croucamp said the impending strike was a consequence of a lack of commitment from employers and trade unions alike to find a solution to the wage dispute.  Meanwhile, Solidarity has received a notice from the Macsteel Group of its intention to reduce its workforce by around 310 people.  Croucamp noted that the ongoing crisis in the wage negotiations could lead to even more retrenchments and that urgent action was called for.

Read this report in full at Engineering News.  Read Solidarity’s press statement in this regard at Solidarity online

Numsa strike in metal and engineering sector will cost economy dearly, analyst warns

BusinessLive reports that a well-known analyst said on Tuesday that a strike in the metal and engineering sector would harm the weakened economy and further delay the construction of the Medupi, Kusile and Ingurha power stations.  The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) said on Tuesday it was mobilising its members to down tools after failure to reach a wage deal with the employers.  Although it would have to wait until Friday, when the management committee of the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC) convenes to issue a strike notice, it has already requested a certificate of non-resolution to the wage dispute.  Labour analyst Andrew Levy said a strike seemed unavoidable at this stage and warned it would negatively affect an economy already in a technical recession, lead to job losses and company closures, and hit investor confidence hard.  Numsa is demanding a 15% wage increase, while other unions are asking for 10% to 12% and employers are offering 5.5%.

Read this report by Theto Mahlakoana in full at BusinessLive.  Read too, Strike warning: Numsa warns of more Medupi and Kusile delays, at Fin24

Other internet posting(s) in this news category

• Saftu will back an engineering strike, at The New Age
• Seifsa appoints two new economists, at Engineering News

THE ECONOMY / PRICES / PRODUCTIVITY

Consumer inflation slows again to 5.1% in June, hinting at possible rate relief

BusinessLive reports that consumer inflation has continued to ease, suggesting that the Reserve Bank could cut interest rates later this year.  The consumer price index (CPI) rose 5.1% in June, slowing by 0.3 percentage points from 5.4% in May.  The Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee will announce its decision on interest rates on Thursday, but the bank is not expected to announce any interest rate cuts yet.  In May it said inflation was too close to the upper end of the 3%-6% target band and remained “uncomfortably high”.  Food inflation — for a long time one of the main drivers of consumer inflation, as a prolonged and severe drought kept it in double digits — has been comfortably in single digits for four months now, and was near 7% for the second month.

Read this report in full at BusinessLive.  See too, Consumer inflation falls for third month in a row, at Fin24

STAFFING / RECRUITMENT / STAFF TURNOVER

KZN man given urologist appointment in June 2021 due to shortage of specialists

Daily News reports that the critical shortage of urologists and out-of-order equipment to examine patients at state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been brought to the fore after a Durban pensioner was given an appointment to see a doctor in 2021.  The (unnamed) pensioner, 61, has a problem with his prostate.  He was surprised to see the year 2021 written on his file and when he enquired from the general practitioner and his assistant, they confirmed the date.  He was told the urologist was fully booked.  The provincial Health Department has denied claims of a shortage of urologists.  But, the Democratic Alliance’s Dr Imran Keeka said there was only one urologist in eThekwini who served the entire south of the province and one at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg to serve the north of KZN.  Other urologists had resigned over time, said Keeka.

Read this report by Zainul Dawood in full at Daily News

Public Service Commission concerned about departures ‘destabilising government’

BusinessLive reports that the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday expressed concern at the latest spate of departures and suspensions of directors-general and heads of departments, warning that the trend has a "destabilising effect on government".  The SA Social Security Agency CEO, Thokozani Magwaza, left his job on Monday amid speculation about tension with Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.  On the same day, it emerged that Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane had given her director-general, Dan Mashitisho, a notice of intention to suspend him.  Last week, Agriculture director-general Mike Mlengana was suspended due to "governance-related issues".  According to the PSC, while the average period of tenure for a director-general or head of department had risen from 2.7 years in September of 2015 to 2.9 years in September of 2016, perceptions of internal spats at government departments were concerning.

Read this report in full at BusinessLive.  Read the PSC’s press statement in this regard at PSC online.  See too, Water portfolio committee 'alarmed' by director-general’s suspension, at News24.  And also, Social Development Minister refuses to answer questions about Sassa CEO’s departure, at BusinessLive

Sassa CEO was forced to resign, Scopa chair claims

News24 reports that Themba Godi, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), said on Monday afternoon that SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) CEO Thokozani Magwaza had been forced to resign following irreconcilable differences with Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.  “As far as I understand, Mr Magwaza was actually asked to leave because he did not see eye to eye with the minister.  Last week Mr Magwaza announced the disillusion (dissolution) of work streams which irregularly were appointed by the minister according to the treasury.  This led to increased tension between the CEO and the minister,” Godi claimed.  In a statement on Monday, Dlamini said Magwaza had resigned following a "consultative process" led by the head of legal services Adv. Nkosinathi Dladla.  Magwaza reportedly received several death threats before his resignation.

Read this report by James de Villiers in full at News24.  Read too, Sassa CEO Magwaza removed after accepting exit package, at eNCA.  And also, After death threats, clashes with minister, social security boss leaves, at BusinessLive

Other internet posting(s) in this news category

• Sassa CEO: ‘I didn’t resign, my contract was terminated’, at Moneyweb
• eThekwini municipal manager hit by staff exodus, at The Mercury

REMUNERATION / FRINGE BENEFITS / PERKS

Survey reveals what IT professionals really earn in South Africa in 2017

MyBroadband reports that its 2017 South African IT Salary Survey took place in July, with its results providing an accurate reflection of how much IT professionals and executives earn.  The survey was completed by 3,062 South Africans who work in the IT sector, and included executives and professionals from large tech companies.  The results showed that the average salary for IT professionals and executives in SA in 2017 is R41,455 per month, which is an increase over the 2016 average of R35,184.  Considering the shortage of IT skills in SA, the increase was no surprise, but the impact of the struggling economy was visible in the feedback in that 30% of IT professionals said they did not receive a salary increase in 2017, and 41% did not receive a bonus last year.  The median annual salary increase among IT employees who did receive an increase was 10%.  This report also provides an overview of salaries (gross monthly value) for prominent IT professions.

Read this report in full at MyBroadband

DISMISSALS / UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES / GRIEVANCES

Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s challenge of his SABC dismissal still on the cards

EWN reports that Hlaudi Motsoeneng's lawyer, Zola Majavu, says his client is still challenging his dismissal as SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) chief operating officer.  However, he has received no instructions on how to deal with recent reports of criminal charges due to be laid against Motsoeneng.  The SABC’s interim board is apparently planning to sue Motsoeneng for the R11.4 million he received in bonuses in 2016.  Regarding the dismissal case, Majavu said:  “It is before the CMMA.  As soon as the CCMA enrols the matter, we’ll go and deal with it at the CCMA.  I have received no instructions to withdraw it and accept he’s still pursuing the matter.”  Motsoeneng is fighting his dismissal after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of contravening the broadcaster's code of conduct by holding a press conference while he was on suspension.

A short report by Gia Nicolaides is at EWN

MISCONDUCT / DISCIPLINARY ACTION / CORRUPTION

Suspended acting SABC chief Aguma quits, broadcaster withdraws all charges

BusinessLive reports that suspended SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) acting CE James Aguma has resigned with immediate effect‚ his lawyer indicated on Wednesday.  He was in the midst of a disciplinary hearing‚ where he stood accused of providing false information under oath during disciplinary proceedings brought against former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng.  Aguma was also accused of tender irregularities and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.  According to the lawyer, Aguma had tendered his resignation and would no longer proceed with a urgent Labour Court application, while the SABC would withdraw all charges against him.  Sandile July‚ representing the SABC‚ confirmed an agreement that Aguma would submit his resignation by 1pm on Wednesday.

A short report is at BusinessLive

WEB LINKS TO LABOUR NEWS ARTICLES ON TUESDAY, 18 JULY 2017

See our listing of links to labour articles published on the internet on Tuesday, 18 July 2017 at SA Labour News