CCMA has to decide who is in the right at the old age home in Standerton
The parties opened crimen injuria cases against each other namely against the manager, after he allegedly said to a worker that she could spread the virus, and against Nehawu, in connection with allegations of management’s stealing at the old age home.
A labour dispute at the Kosmos Aftree-oord is now sub judice, following the dismissal of 32 workers on 27 July.
The Standerton Advertiser published the article on its front page in the 16 October edition, committing itself to update readers.
The National Education and Health Workers Union (Nehawu) protested in front of the old age home on 6 October.
A memorandum with demands was handed to the manager, Mr Jack la Grange, who acknowledged receipt.
The old age home was cordoned off and precautionary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the elderly. Police, Kasselman Security Services and community members were on high alert.
The argument is that the workers illegally left their posts on 28 March.
The case is to be heard by the CCMA on 17 November.
The old age home indicated that negotiations began with personnel at the beginning of the lockdown, for volunteers to sleep at the facility.
According to management, a group decided on using transport to and from work.
Covid-19 effects on the facility took its toll and employees were instructed to sleep at the institution.
Nehawu, on the other hand, argues that workers’s family responsibilities have to be taken into account.
The parties opened crimen injuria cases against each other namely against the manager, after he allegedly said to a worker that she could spread the virus, and against Nehawu, in connection with allegations of management’s stealing at the old age home.
The facility was entirely decontaminated at one stage during the lockdown after 18 patients, who tested positive for the coronavirus, were transported to Barberton.
Mr La Grange provided a WhatsApp-message, containing a letter from lawyers’ to Nehawu in the Gert Sibande Region, to the newspaper last week.
The gist being that the dismissal of the workers was both procedurally and substantively fair.
The letter concluded with placing it on record that the constant threat of mass action is not conducive to meaningful engagement.
It also said protests and/or picketing do not allow for the well-being of the aged. A request was made to desist from such behaviour, saying that failure to do so, will result in approaching the court for appropriate relief.
Readers will be informed of the ruling of the CCMA.
