BL Premium reports that the National Education, Health & Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is in upheaval in parliament. Disciplinary proceedings and the precautionary suspension of the union’s branch secretary on union work-related charges have triggered a wave of resignations.
According to supporters, the charges were trumped up after an unsuccessfully contest for provincial office. This rare show of dissatisfaction with union management is apparently aimed at getting the national Nehawu leadership involved after a recently elected branch task team was thwarted. Unhappiness with the branch leadership has simmered for many months. Questions have been raised over the still outstanding “equal work for equal pay” in the protection service, and the consolidated lowest salary band. Insiders have also questioned employment terms and conditions, appropriateness of appointments, a lack of staff and equipment, and more.
In to-and-fro communications by both sides, the current Nehawu branch leaders seem unmoved over what the others call “a constitutional act of protest”. Instead, the incumbent executive insists the next branch leadership elections will be in 2027 as scheduled and only they are the representatives in the legislative sector bargaining chamber. Though Nehawu has lost union subs, it remains the majority union. Nehawu’s national office-bearers seem reluctant to get involved, despite its parliamentary branch members’ call for action.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marianne Merten at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
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