The Department of Correctional Services has issued a stern warning against the officials of Johannesburg management area engaged in illegal industrial action today to return to normal work or face suspensions that may result in dismissals.
Area Commissioner of Johannesburg Mr Kenny Bouwer issued the warning today after the briefing of officials and discussions with their unions failed to put an end to the illegal industrial action started yesterday. The officials are complaining of primarily delays in the implementation of the occupation specific dispensation (OSD) and concerns about their levels of safety during their execution of their duties.
The management area has begun implementing contingency plans to ensure continued services to both offenders and the public. The management had to either suspend of scale down a number of services like escorting of offenders and awaiting trial detainees to courts and public visitations. Managers took the reigns in driving the normal functioning of the centres to minimise risks to internal and external people and services. They are ensuring tight security, provision of meals and access to medical care at health care facilities within the centres.
During the briefing of officials yesterday, Area Commissioner Bouwer reiterated the assurances of the acting national commissioner that the payment of OSD adjusted salaries with a back pay to July 2009 will be paid on 30 August 2009. He explained that the department had made good progress in implementing the first phase of the OSD, as R284 million was paid in July 2009 as a once off payment to cover the delay in the implementation of OSD.
Area Commissioner Bouwer said there was no justifiable reason for embarking on an illegal industrial action by correctional officials. He said first and foremost Correctional Services is an essential service and security institution that in terms of the law and agreements reached with labour unions, no industrial action is permitted.
Addressing the local leadership of both Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) and Public Service Association (PSA), Area Commissioner Bouwer said if the officials did not return to work and perform their normal duties then the strike management policy of the department will be enforced where they will face possible suspension which may lead to disciplinary action.
Contact details:
Samantha Ramsewaki
Tel: 011 933 7006
Cell: 082 578 0525 or 073 115 0374
E-mail: samantha.ramsewaki@dcs.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
18 August 2009
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
