This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.
In our afternoon roundup, see summaries
of our selection of South African labour-
related stories that appeared thus far on
Thursday, 18 June 2020.
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Restaurants and hairdressers among sectors allowed to reopen with the further easing of level 3 lockdown restrictions BusinessLive reports that on Wednesday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the further easing of level 3 lockdown restrictions, allowing over 500,000 more people to return to work in sectors that include hotels, personal care services, restaurants and cinemas. The reopening of the restaurants for sit-down dining and hotels, with the exceptions of shared accommodation such as Airbnb, on condition that they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing protocols, will allow their employees to join the roughly 16-million people already back at work. Much of the economy swung back into action in early June when the government moved to level 3 under its five-level risk adjusted system. Other sectors that will be allowed to reopen are conference venues, casinos, and personal care services such as hairdressers, as well as non-contact sports such as golf, tennis and cricket. Chris du Toit, CEO of Tsogo Sun, one of SA’s biggest casinos and hotels operator, welcomed the news, saying: “This is long overdue. We're obviously very pleased.” The lockdown was put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, but has had a devastating effect on the economy, prompting economists and think-tanks to slash their forecasts. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Genevieve Quintal at BusinessLive DA to pursue personal care services court case despite Covid-19 lockdown ban being lifted The Citizen reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue to pursue its court case on the now-lifted personal care services lockdown ban until the applicable regulations are published. On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that hairdressing, along with a number of other trades and sectors, would be allowed to resume as long as there was adherence to “specific and stringent safety requirements”. DA MP Dean Macpherson welcomed the reopening of the personal care industry, but said the DA would still pursue its case. He said that the president knew full well that Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma would lose in court on 22 June before a full bench of the Western Cape High Court. “Due to the recent history of President Ramaphosa being overturned by Minister Dlamini-Zuma on important issues like this, the DA will continue to pursue our court case until such time as the regulations for the personal care industry are published and a firm date is given for them to reopen,” Macpherson added. The MP noted that Minister Dlamini-Zuma would still need to file her responding affidavits to the Western Cape High Court by the end of Thursday, 18 June 2020. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Eastern Cape health department turns Mthatha convent into quarantine site as fifth nun dies after contracting Covid-19 News24 reports that another elderly nun has died after contracting Covid-19 at the Congregation of the Precious Blood Sisters convent in Mthatha, bringing the death toll to five in a space of nine days. This has prompted the Eastern Cape department of health to turn the convent into a quarantine site. The death of 82-year-old Ambrose Shabalala came after a surge in coronavirus cases at the convent, a Roman Catholic Church female order. She died while the small community of nuns was still reeling from the deaths of sisters Celine Nxopo, Maria Cord Wardhor, Martha Anne Dlamini and Beautrice Khofu. The four died between 8 and 14 June and were all above the age of 60. The convent doubles up as an old age home. On Tuesday, sister in charge Nokwanda Bam had reported that 17 nuns had tested positive; 15 had tested negative, while three were awaiting their results. She also reported that the deaths began with the infection of a sister who worked as a nurse at St Mary's Hospital in Mthatha. On Thursday, the health department announced the allocation of a medical doctor, two nursing assistants, a professional nurse and an enrolled nursing assistant to mitigate the spread of the virus at the convent. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malibongwe Dayimani at News24 With over 2,000 positive infections nationwide, fear about Covid-19 grips healthcare staff The Star reports that medical facilities around the country have been hit by the coronavirus pandemic with over 2,000 healthcare workers reported to have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Meantime, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has expressed concern at the rising infection rate of healthcare workers, which topped 2,084 in both public and private hospitals last week. About 80% were in the Western Cape. The Sunninghill Netcare Hospital this week became the latest facility where workers expressed fear about spread of Covid-19 after 15 staff members allegedly tested positive for Covid-19 at the cardio coronary unit. “The unit is still operating normally, full of patients. We are not safe at all,” claimed a worker. The hospital’s general manager Pieter Louw advised that management took immediate action to contain a possible spread of the infection after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19, which was believed to have been community acquired. In Pretoria on Tuesday, fear of Covid-19 infection also gripped staff members at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, who claimed that decontamination of the wards involved had not been done adequately. Department of health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that 15 staff members had tested positive for the virus at the facility. Scared staff commented: “We don’t trust these people because they have not been forthcoming with us, and if they can lie that they fumigated ward 33 and 34, then they can also lie to the department.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Gift Tlou on page 2 of The Star of 18 June 2020 Mthonjaneni municipality in northern KZN closes its offices after 18 staff test positive for Covid-19 HeraldLive reports that the Mthonjaneni municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) temporarily shut its offices on Monday after 18 staff and councillors tested positive for Covid-19. A communique issued by the municipal manager on Sunday said the municipality would remain closed until further notice and further indicated: “Municipal employees and councillors who have been in close contact with these employees must advise the municipality and self-isolate for 14 days. They should also monitor themselves for flu-like symptoms. Should they show such symptoms, they will be tested for Covid-19.” The municipality said all the municipal buildings were disinfected on Monday and called on anyone who may have visited the municipality within the past three weeks to call them. A spokesperson for the health MEC Noluthando Nkosi said the provincial health department was aware of the outbreak and was monitoring the situation closely. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Orrin Singh at HeraldLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Court rules that due to Labour Registrar’s failure to consult on constitution, Numsa didn’t need to hold secret ballot before striking BL Premium reports that in a groundbreaking ruling, the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) has found that until the Labour Registrar first complies with relevant legislation, unions don’t need to hold a secret ballot before downing tools. The judgment, delivered earlier in June, effectively gives power back to union leaders to unilaterally decide on behalf of their members if and when they should down tools. The Labour Relations Amendment Act (LRAA), which came into effect in January 2019, requires a secret ballot before unions embarked on strike. The unions were given six months to amend their constitutions to include such a clause. In March 2019, members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) downed tools at Foskor and also at Mahle Behr SA. The two employers approached the Labour Court (LC) where they successfully interdicted the industrial action, on the basis that Numsa did not hold a secret ballot before the strikes. Numsa lodged an appeal over whether the LC’s interpretation of section 19 of the LRAA was correct. That section required the labour registrar, within 180 days, to consult with the national office-bearers of unions that did not provide for recorded and secret ballots in their constitutions, about the most appropriate means to amend their constitution in order to comply. The LAC found that “there is no evidence that the registrar consulted with the national office-bearers of Numsa and other trade unions and employers’ organisations or has issued a directive to them in accordance with section 19(1)(b) of the LRAA”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (paywall access only) Rubbish piles up in George as workers continue to strike over Covid-19 compensation The Citizen reports that refuse collection and sewage-related services in George in the Western Cape have been badly affected as essential municipal workers continue to strike over Covid-19 related compensation. The strike started last Thursday and was still in effect on 17 June. Refuse collection ground to a halt two weeks ago when a municipal worker in the cleaning section tested positive for Covid-19. George Municipality advised on Wednesday that temporary contractors had been appointed to address the most urgent sewerage problems. A municipal spokesperson would not comment on the reason for the strike. But, John Mcanjana of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) told George Herald that the “sit-in” related to Covid-19 compensation for essential workers and administrative support staff. Asked how a type of danger pay would protect workers from the virus, Mcanjana said Covid-19 came with an extra financial burden such as the need for immune boosters. He added: “The municipality wants workers to return to work before we discuss matters, but we want to sort this out first. Workers want an answer from management. This is not a strike, this is just a sit-in.” He also said that both unions, namely Samwu and Imatu, had submitted joint proposals for consideration by the council. According to Mcanjana, two of that union’s members have died of the coronavirus disease and there were daily infections. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Michelle Pienaar / George Herald at The Citizen
Eastplats halts production at Crocodile River Mine in North West after Covid-19 infection BusinessLive reports that Eastern Platinum (Eastplats) has temporarily halted tailings retreatment at its Crocodile River Mine in the North West as a result of a confirmed case of Covid-19. The company said it had taken precautionary steps, including full-scale cleaning of its operations and self-isolation for employees, and would also be testing staff and contractors. “The company has prepared and is undertaking additional training and education, and targets chrome concentrate production to restart not later than Saturday June 20, 2020,” it indicated. Eastplats is conducting tailings retreatment at its previously mothballed Crocodile River Mine near Brits to extract chrome, and is also extracting platinum group metals (PGM) concentrate. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Karl Gernetzky at BusinessLive Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Thrilled by local talent, Amazon creates 3,000 new virtual jobs in SA TimesLIVE reports that international online retailer Amazon on Thursday announced the creation of 3,000 new virtual jobs in SA, with applicants only needing a matric along with the electronic support to work virtually. The posts range from customer service associates to technical experts who will work virtually and provide 24/7 support to Amazon customers in North America and Europe. The addition of 3,000 permanent and seasonal full-time positions will bring the total permanent workforce in SA to 7,000. “We are thrilled with the talent in SA and we are excited to add 3,000 skilled jobs this year in customer service, and to help keep people working during this unprecedented time. The new jobs reflect our continued commitment to SA’s economic development,” said Andrew Raichlin, director of Amazon customer service in SA. Ebrahim Patel, minister of trade, industry & competition, commented: “We welcome the decision by Amazon to locate more of its global services in SA. The business process services sector has grown fast, drawing on the skills and talent of young South Africans and a stable infrastructure. The sector has been able to provide world-class support to clients, both locally and internationally. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE
Sasol moves to cut jobs as part of organisational redesign BusinessLive reports that chemicals group Sasol announced on Thursday that it would be consulting its workforce on possible retrenchments after deciding on an organisational shake-up that will result in two core businesses. Sasol “2.0” will be focused on chemicals and energy, with each responsible for their own profit and loss, the group indicated. It went on to state: “The redesign of the organisation to enable our sustainability at lower oil prices will have an impact on our workforce structure.” The chemicals business will focus on its activities in speciality chemicals, while the energy business will comprise the Southern African value chain and associated assets and will pursue greenhouse gas emission reduction through focus on gas as a key feedstock and renewables as a secondary energy source. The group has also agreed a new debt framework with lenders. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Karl Gernetzky at BusinessLive. Read too, Sasol revamp to cut jobs, end West African oil ops, at Moneyweb Some 600 possible job cuts on the cards at SABC News24 reports that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has issued a notice of possible redundancies that could affect some 600 employees. The public broadcaster indicated in a statement on Thursday that this followed consultations with key stakeholders and added that it was in line with a new strategy aimed at "transforming the Corporation into a financially sustainable, self-sufficient and fit-for-purpose public broadcaster". In its statement, the broadcaster did not mention any impact related to the coronavirus. The SABC has, however, suffered long-standing financial woes, and has received billions in government bailouts to stay afloat. "Organised labour as well as representatives of the non-unionised employees will be consulted within a meaningful joint consensus seeking process as mandated by Section 189 of the LRA," the organisation indicated. The Communication Workers Union’s (CWU’s) Aubrey Tshabalala advised that the union had not yet received formal notification of a Section 189 process, but he described the announcement of possible redundancies as "disturbing" and "a mistake". Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marelise van der Merwe at News24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
SA Express salvation may not be possible, unclear if there will be residue for payment of employee claims Business Report writes that the liquidators of SA Express have warned that they might not be able to save the regional airline and the practical option would be to sell it. Provisional liquidator Aviwe Ndyamara told MPs on Wednesday that the liquidation had cost more than anticipated and that the current funds might not be enough to wind up the process and pay severance packages to almost 1,000 employees affected by the restructuring. Ndyamara said employees of the SAA subsidiary might not be paid, as the priority was preferential creditors, concurrent creditors and secured creditors. He advised that the remuneration of employees would be dealt with as claims against the company payable from the free residue of a liquidation and distribution account. “The employees enjoy a special preference in terms of the insolvency law, but are only paid after the secured creditors’ claims have been settled. At this stage, it is unclear if there will be residue for payment of employee claims. The implication of the provisional order granted is that employees’ employment contracts were, by law, immediately suspended,” Ndyamara indicated. SA Express employees have not received salaries since March and have had to rely on the UIF Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (Ters). Ndyamara said the Ters benefits for April and May had been processed and received by the employees, while the UI19 forms, salary schedules, section 38 letters and claim forms had been completed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphelele Dludla at Business Report
Dali Mpofu accuses state of sending children into ‘raging fire’ amid Covid-19 BL Premium reports that Advocate Dali Mpofu, representing Mmusi Maimane and the One SA Movement in the first major legal challenge to the reopening of schools, has accused the state of sending children into a “raging fire” by asking them to return to classrooms as Covid-19 infections soar. “No responsible government that sticks to its constitutional obligations can do that,” Mpofu argued on Thursday morning in the Pretoria High Court. Maimane and the One SA Movement was seeking to persuade a full bench of the court that the government’s decision to move from alert level 4 to level 3, at the same that it started reopening schools, violated the constitutional rights of children, teachers and caregivers to life, among other things. Mpofu contended that it was “mind-boggling” that the government decided to reopen schools and the economy on the same day. This, he said, resulted in the increased mobility of millions of people and radically increased the risk of Covid-19 spreading. Maimane wants the court to order that the state’s plan to ensure the safety of pupils in schools should be supervised by the courts or an independent body — as the government’s track record strongly suggested these plans would fail. He has used multiple media reports of Covid-19 infections in schools, as well as accounts of inadequate sanitation, to demonstrate that the government’s “lofty plans” were not translating into reality. The government was expected to respond to Mpofu’s arguments later on Thursday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Karyn Maughan at BusinessLive (paywall access only) Research project outlines the cost of collective-bargaining outcomes on SA’s increasingly under resourced education sector BL Premium writes that the government’s approach of granting above-inflation wage increases to teachers without providing the budgets to pay for them is harming the education system by causing widespread hiring freezes and increasing class sizes, with the poorest schools and provinces the worst affected. This is the key finding of an 18-month research project conducted by Nic Spaull, Adaiah Lilenstein and David Carel of Stellenbosch University. Their hard-hitting paper, "The Race Between Teacher Wages and the Budget", argues that this can’t be allowed to continue: "Wages must be contained, or educational expenditures must rise, but the status quo is not sustainable for the long-term health of the education system." With the increase in learner enrolments factored in, the researchers found that on a per capita basis, real education spending shrank by 2.6% between 2009 and 2018. Put differently, in real terms SA spent R695 less per learner in 2018 than it did in 2009. To have kept pace with wage inflation over the period, real per-learner expenditure would have needed to be R8.7bn higher in 2018. The problem, as the researchers explained, was not that the government granted teachers above-inflation increases, but that it has imposed hard budget ceilings on provincial education departments at the same time, leaving them to square the circle. Provincial departments have attempted to deal with this fiscal pressure by implementing hiring freezes, leaving vacant posts unfilled and allowing class sizes to rise. Read the full original of the detailed report in the above regard by Claire Bisseker at BusinessLive (paywall access only)
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