EEWF accuses Midbank/Thembalethu of unfair labour practices
They state that their instructions are that EEWF and their members are part of an ongoing process to inter alia disrupt their client’s bus services
Members of Enough is Enough Workers Forum (EEWF) are accusing Midbank/Thembalethu of not contributing to the provident fund (UIF) of its workers.
EEWF representing the workers said the company is breaking a law of the country, it further states that that the bus company has contravened section 13A of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 which states that an employer of any member of the fund must make the payment of its monthly contributions no later than the 7th day of each month after the end of the month of which such a contribution is payable.
It furthers states that any failure to pay contributions within seven days after the end of each month is a criminal offence punishable with a fine in terms of section 13A read with section 37 of the Act.
“Midbank/Thembalethu is being ruthless, arrogant and racist. Those workers who become vocal on the unpaid provident fund the company immediately dismisses them. The company has dismissed over 20 workers on March 16 this year while putting other 16 on suspension. The company intends to retrench more than 30 workers while at the same time it had employed 16 people who had started working on March 23. The company must pay the R15million provident fund back to the employees,” reads a statement from Ms Esther Molepo, EEWF coordinator.
EEWF also calls for commuters to boycott of the busses and not to support any business that involves the company.
They further call for the public to stop using services from the company.
“Midbank must be out of business in Mpumalanga it must not fid expression anywhere. We also have taken cognisance that the company uses poverty and vulnerable people to their advantage and as Enough is Enough Workers, we will put an end to that. As we will be boycotting Midbank/Thembalethu Bus Services we hope to achieve the R15million of the provident fund paid back to the employees,” concluded the statement.
A response about the allegations has been received from PJ Kleynhans Incorporated Attorneys representing Midbank Thembalethu Bus Services.
They state that their instructions are that EEWF and their members are part of an ongoing process to inter alia disrupt their client’s bus services.
“You furthermore by virtue of the attached pamphlet which was distributed by you and your members amongst the community, falsely accused our clients and their employees of racism and harassment. Our respective clients and their employees are members of good standing in the Witbank community and have for the last 30 years serving the community with dignity and respect. Due to economic circumstances and no other reason our clients have in their representative capacities applied Business Rescue for Midbank and Thembalethu Bus Service respectively”.
The statement also states that Mr Grant Chittenden was appointed as Business Rescue Practitioner by CIPC.
“You are hereby informed that unless we get a written undertaking from yourself on before the close of business tomorrow, that you refrain from your conduct as aforesaid our client will without further notice to yourself apply for an interdict in a competent court. A punitive cost order will be sought against the leading members of your organisation. All our client’s rights especially to claim damages from yourself is reserved. You are requested to acknowledge receipt thereof in writing,” concluded the statement from the attorneys.
*The statement was received on Thursday, March 26.
