The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) National Office-Bearers (NOBs) and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members have initiated a sit-in at the regional offices of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Bloemfontein, representing the Northern Cape and Free State provinces respectively. This action underscores the union’s growing frustration with unresolved issues that affect the welfare and working conditions of its members.
Key Issues Highlighted by POPCRU:
- Unfair Labour Practices
The union has raised concerns about unfair treatment, including arbitrary disciplinary actions, lack of promotion opportunities, and inequities in resource allocation among employees.
Shopstewards have been unfairly suspended without due processes.
- Allegations of Sexual harassment
There have been multiple allegations of sexual harassment that are yet to be investigated and finalised.
POPCRU categorically condemns all forms of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, bullying and abuse of power within our institutions. No member of law enforcement should face sexual harassment or feel pressured to use their bodies and trade sexual favours for promotions.
- Delays in Addressing Grievances
There are multiple disciplinary cases whose timeframes have lapsed, and yet these are utilised to victimise members. These have in some instances resulted in unfair and long suspensions of members.
POPCRU has repeatedly engaged with the DCS on outstanding grievances, including issues related to working hours, insufficient tools of the trade, and poor workplace conditions. The lack of meaningful progress has left workers disillusioned.
- Demand for Constructive Engagement
Management has on various occasions denied the union leadership to hold recognised general meetings.
The sit-in aims to compel DCS management to prioritize workers’ issues through genuine consultation and the implementation of agreed-upon resolutions.
POPCRU’s Demands:
- Investigations into allegations of sexual harassment
- Reviewal of unfair suspensions
- Immediate implementation of agreed safety measures in correctional facilities.
- Recruitment drives to address critical staff shortages.
- Transparent and fair processes for promotions and grievances.
- Improved resources and working conditions for frontline correctional officers.
POPCRU’s leadership has stated that the sit-in will continue until tangible commitments are made by the DCS. The union reiterates its commitment to the safety and dignity of its members, urging the department to recognize the critical role correctional officers play in maintaining societal order.
We call on our members to remain united and vigilant in our pursuit of justice and equity within the correctional sector. We further appeal to the public to support our cause, recognizing the impact that improved conditions for correctional officers will have on broader societal safety.
Issued by POPCRU on 28/11/2024
For more information, contact;
Richard Mamabolo
Media & Communication Officer
HEAD OFFICE: SECRETARIAT:
Media & Communication
1 Marie Road, Richmond, Johannesburg, 2092
Phone 011 242 4600/15 Fax 086 625 3054
Cell 066 135 4349
Email mamabolor@popcru.org.za