Union, IEC averts ‘catastrophic’ election strike
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) threatened to bring polling stations to a standstill on Wednesday.
Disputes over human resources, tools of trade and service level agreement threatened disruptions at voting stations on voting day.
Nehawu’s Khaya Xaba says they have resolved the issues and working will not be embarking on industrial action.
He says the CCMA, a task team and the Electoral Commission National Bargaining Forum will be used to address their grievances.
“It would have been catastrophic to strike on the eve on elections but its something that our members wanted to explore.”
Earlier on Monday the IEC’s chairperson Glen Mashinini warned that it would be illegal for workers to down tools. s
“Certain conduct is prohibited by workers,” he told the media after casting his special vote.
Xaba says they will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement.
“We have received common ground that the recommendations will be implemented by September 1. The new ondogram will ensure the institution functions more efficiently.”