Disgruntled employees picket for union representation
PROTESTERS picketed peacefully at the entrance of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) on Friday, demanding to exercise their right to have a union represent their concerns.
The employees of leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company SGS, work at the sites of Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal and Richards Bay Coal Terminals and downed tools on Thursday.
According to employee Sipho Mazongolo, workers were left disgruntled after their request to join unions was denied and they have now given their employer five days to respond to their requests.
‘We want unions to represent us and fight for our concerns, such as the lack of benefits for employees and not being allowed to negotiate salary increases.
‘We have attempted to address our concerns with management, but nothing has materialised and we have now given them five days to respond.
‘Our members are not treated with respect and this goes against the SGS policy statement, which supports the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining of all employees and to respect their right to form and join trade unions.
‘For the next week we will continue to protest peacefully at the entrance until the matter is resolved,’ said Mazongolo.
At the time of going to print no response was received from SGS.