News24 reports that trade union Solidarity has asked the Department of Labour to intervene in stopping the University of SA (Unisa) from implementing proposed promotion criteria, arguing that they are in contravention of the Employment Equity Act (EEA).  

It has also asked the university senate to revisit the criteria in order "to produce a more equitable outcome".  The union has argued that in terms of the promotion criteria, designated employees would be eligible for promotion or appointment based on a lower standard or reduced minimum standards.  "Individuals of the designated group need not have the same qualifications and or experience than their white counterparts to be eligible for promotions or appointment," said Annika Labuschagne of Solidarity's centre for fair labour practices.  She went on to indicate as follows:  "The criteria can create possible absolute barriers for individuals not belonging to the designated group... Therefore, we hope that the university and the department will both step in to establish a fairer application."  Labuschagne added that if that did not happen, the union would be ready to take legal action and to act on behalf of it members at Unisa and elsewhere.

Read the full original of Kamva Somdyala’s report on the above at News24

Read Solidarity’s press statement on this issue at SA Labour News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page