NEHAWU Welcomes CCMA Ruling on Unfair Suspension of Our Members at UNISA
Tuesday November 14, 2023
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] welcomes the ruling of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration [CCMA] in the matter between seven of our members and the University of South Africa [UNISA].
On the 27th June 2022, UNISA unfairly suspended seven of our members on frivolous allegations of intimidation during our strike action at the institution for over 14 months.
The national union declared a dispute and referred it to the CCMA in terms of Section 186 (2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (as amended) (the LRA). Our contention was that the continued suspension of our members amounted to an unfair labour practice.
The matter was heard and concluded on the 24th October 2023 with closing arguments done on the 1st November 2023.
Today, the CCMA ruled in our favour and directed as follows:
• UNISA has perpetrated an unfair labour practice against our members.
• Our claim for unfair labour practice is successful and the relief sought is granted.
• The suspension of our members is uplifted and are to resume work at UNISA with effect from 20 November 2023.
• UNISA is ordered to pay each of our members’ monthly salary as statutory compensation by no later than 24 November 2023.
As NEHAWU, we welcome this ruling and it vindicates our assertion that the institution is characterised by a cauldron of instability, culture of fear, union bashing, intimidation, bullying, and victimisation of staff and our members. The national union will continue to defend and fight for workers’ rights including protecting their job security.
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Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968;
December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969;
Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za
Visit https://www.nehawu.org.za