ENCA denies union claims
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 2016
THE COMPANY that owns news channel eNCA, eMedia Investments, has again denied claims it was not allowing staff to join a trade union. The ANC, in a press statement “noted with concern” reports that certain employees at the station were being denied their “basic right” to join a trade union.
“The allegations are contained in a letter which has been widely circulated and seen by the ANC. It is further alleged that an employee at the institution was subsequently dismissed following attempts to establish a union at the station,” ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said.
He said that transformation in the media means the media houses “recognising” the rights of its employees, like all workers, to form and belong to a union of their choice.
He said: “The constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to fair labour practices which include, inter alia, the right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union.
“The ANC calls upon the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) to take immediate action at eNCA in defence of workers’ rights as set out in the Bill of Rights. These allegations against eNCA once again reinforce our resolution on the need to transform the media and democratise all workplaces.”
In response to the statement issued by the ANC, eNCA “strongly denied claims” that staff are not allowed to join unions. In a press statement, group chief operating officer at eNCA, Mark Rosin said: “Freedom of association is legally enshrined by the Labour Relations Act. eMedia Investments has always proudly respected and observed the law; the Labour Relations Act and the Constitution, and will continue to do so.”
The company also denied claims that an employee was dismissed for attempting to establish a union. eNCA said that the employee was “dismissed” after being “found guilty of misconduct, defamation and publishing untruths” following a disciplinary hearing.
In the press statement they said that employees were informed at staff meetings in the last quarter of last year, and on Monday, that they were free to join a trade union.