Vosloorus ECD employees reinstated to work

Workers dragged the NILECD, based in Extension Seven, Vosloorus, to the CCMA for unfair labour practice early this year. The workers who were laid off returned to work after six months of unemployment.

Ward 47 committee member handling the health and social development portfolio Nomvula Simelane told Kathorus MAIL that as a community, they ensured that they resolved the issue with peace.

She said they are ecstatic that employees are back at work.

Simelane played the role of a mediator between the employers and the employees.

She said the dismissal affected the workers emotionally and mentally as they had no income and they were struggling to get by.

During the lockdown, food and medicine were needed, but they could not afford them, she added.

“Some parted ways with their loved ones and some lost their places to stay as they could not pay rent. It also broke my heart as a community leader because it was as if we were failing them. That is why we made sure we fought and resolved the issue in peace,” said Simelane.

When asked about recent developments regarding other concerns that were previously raised by the workers, she said she could not engage in that because the union was handling the issues.

“We are also waiting for Ekurhuleni and social development to convene the meeting after the level four lockdown, the meeting was supposed to be on July 2,” she said.

Reaction from the workers

Kathorus MAIL spoke to some of the workers upon their return to work.

John Skhosana said he is relieved and excited to be able to provide for his family.

“I would like to thank the community for its concern and unwavering support when we were going through a tough phase in our lives. I would also like to thank Simelane for her assistance and support since day one.

“It is commendable that NILECD management took the right decision of complying with the CCMA’s recommendations and reinstate the employees. It took six months of devastation and frustration,” he said.

Skhosana was able to find piece jobs during his dismissal.

He added that he was hopeful that other demands of the staff would be addressed and a settlement would be reached.

“We are all working hard to improve the working relationship with management and provide a solid service to the community of Vosloorus,” mentioned Skhosana.

While Skhosana was able to generate little income, his colleagues were not so fortunate. Tumi Matlala told Kathorus MAIL that she wasn’t able to get another job.

“It affected my family badly, especially my children who eventually adapted to the situation.”

Nomsa Ngwenya said the past six months were very hard without any income. She relied on her family members to assist her with food.

“I am happy and relieved to be back at work. I always prayed for us to go back,” said Ngwenya.

Simelane shared her observation of their visit to the CCMA office.

She said during their visit to the CCMA, they noticed that there were a lot of people who lodged disputes with former employers for unfair dismissal.

She urged workers to know their rights and report such cases to the CCMA as it is free of charge.

“Unemployment is alarmingly high since the beginning of Covid-19. It is on record that more than three million people lost their jobs, so people have to fight for their rights,” she said.

Background story

On February 19, the workers held a peaceful demonstration against unfair labour practices at NILECD.

The demonstration follows a build-up of issues that date back to 2020, including contractual disagreements between the employer and employees.

The workers indicated that they already had an existing contract and questioned whether the new contract terminated the old one.

Their main complaints

• Lack of communication by management

• Wages that were less than the minimum living wage of R3 500

• New contracts, which were deemed unprofessional as they had print errors and did not have basic information, including remuneration package, job description and working hours

According to the workers, management advised that whoever failed to sign a new contract should stay away from the centre.

Other concerns include

• The centre operating without an elected board

•The only source of income for the centre is school fees, which is not sustainable and sufficient to effectively meet its financial obligations

• Workers are understaffed; due to the workload, educators are unable to attend to other educational requirements and needs of the children

•No monitoring and evaluation from the Social Department Department

• No standard curriculum for the children

• Lack of transparency from management

• One percent deductions for UIF while workers are not registered with the labour department
The stakeholders are expected to meet to discuss the remaining concerns of the workers once the level four lockdown is eased.