The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State has noted with deep concern the events that unfolded at the provincial offices of the Department of Social Development over the past few days. Due to the department’s failure to pay its debt, its assets have been attached and eventually confiscated by the Sheriff of the High Court.

The debt in question is related to a Public Health and Social Development Bargaining Council Arbitration Award which was awarded to a member of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU). The award was duly certified by the CCMA in December 2019 and served to the parties.

We are aware of the attempts made by our affiliate NEHAWU, to try and find an amicable solution to this matter. We are also aware of the employer’s disregard for the processes and its failure to honour the terms and conditions of the arbitration award. It cannot be that this NEHAWU member remains at the receiving end of this debacle and is not compensated accordingly.  

As COSATU in the Free State we applaud and support the decision and actions taken by NEHAWU to defend the interests of this member. As the Federation we believe that it was justified for our affiliate to take the side of the powerless and the downtrodden. 

We fully support the affiliate and implore all other affiliates to be extra vigilant when dealing with issues of workers in the face of an increased attack on the trade union movement and organizational rights.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Enquiries Provincial Secretary Monyatso oa Mahlatsi @ 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923