Questions over dept’s security deal
THE NATIONAL Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) believes that secret deals are being signed behind closed doors at the Department of Health, after a three-year R224 million security contract was concluded with another security company.
Nehawu met with the head of ministry on Friday after security guards employed by the current contractor, Karibuni Security, were informed that their contracts at the Department of Health would be terminated at the end of this month.
The Department of Health failed to provide any comment.
The new security company last week advertised vacancies for security guards and Karibuni security employees were unsure whether they should apply, after they were apparently made to sign forms with new conditions of service.
The security guards indicated that they were informed that, according to their new contracts, they would not be considered for employment if they were older than 35 or were pregnant.
“We are treated well at Karibuni – we receive our salaries on time as well as bonuses. The owner pays us out of his pocket if he has not received funds from the department,” they added.
Nehawu branch secretary, Moleme Moleme, stated that it was unclear whether the guards would be absorbed by the new contractor.
“The security tender was never advertised and the Ministry of Health indicated that they are also unaware of the new contract. It appears to have only come under the attention of the signatories, including the newly appointed HOD, supply chain management and finance. The new service provider is not listed on the central database of suppliers and is based in Bloemfontein. Why were local security companies not considered,” Moleme asked.
He claimed that workers were not given an opportunity to read through their new contract before being forced to sign it.
“If they do not sign, they will be without work. The union was never consulted regarding possible job losses, where some workers were employed for up to 20 years.”
Moleme pointed out that if workers were being retrenched, adequate notice had not been given in terms of the labour regulations.
“We do not know what their conditions of service, overtime arrangements and hourly rates are, and whether their provident fund contributions will pay out, or if their pensions will be carried over. Some security guards were not provided with forms to sign.
“Workers want to be permanently employed by the department. The MEC for Health made a commitment in his budget speech to in-source security and gardening services. Gardening services employees receive R1 700 per month, where payment is often outstanding for up to three months. Workers are being treated like punching bags.”
Moleme pointed out that while the department was cash strapped, it had secured a R20 million contract with Aerocare, while a catering service provider had outstanding payments amounting to R40 000.
“We will open charges of fraud and corruption with the Hawks and lay complaints with the Public Service Commission. Should we not receive any satisfactory answers, the department can expect strike action from Nehawu and Cosatu members. It cannot be business as usual.”