protest action
15 May 2006
Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore has expressed concern about the
possible disruption of schools during COSATU's planned protest action this
week.
COSATU has informed the provincial government that it has called for a
protest action on Thursday, 18 May 2006 to support its "Jobs and Poverty"
campaign.
The protest action will involve COSATU members in the Public and Services
Sector. These include four unions involved in education, namely South African
Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) National Health, Education and Allied Workers
Union (NEHAWU) Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (PAWUSA) and
Democratic Nurses Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA).
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will follow standard procedures
on industrial action that may result in staff being absent from work. The
department has circulated these procedures to schools, colleges and the WCED
administration.
In line with procedure, supervisors must take reasonable steps to ensure
that their areas of responsibility continue to function.
The WCED will apply the principle of "no work, no pay", in line with agreed
procedure. The department will not grant leave to staff for the purpose of the
stay-away, and will monitor staff absenteeism on the day.
The WCED's Directorate: Labour Relations will have officials on duty to
provide advice or assistance during the period concerned.
Said Education MEC Cameron Dugmore,"I am very concerned with the possible
disruption of schools. We are all aware of the need for us to provide our
learners with relevant skills and knowledge, which is critical to address the
very concerns of COSATU's protest actions."
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Website: http://www.wced.wcape.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
15 May 2006
