As part of the October Transport Month Campaign, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport recently launched a Labour Management Forum at Good News Centre in Bhisho.
The launch was graced by the presence of MEC for Transport, Road and Public Works, Thandiswa Marawu who informed the delegates that the launch is a culmination of in-depth discussions with organised labour representatives in which the concept of forming the forum was explored.
“After several meetings were held, Unions and Management ultimately came to a decision to establish the Labour / Management Forum (the LMF),” said Marawu.
Among the organised labour parties present were, South African Transport and Allied Workers Union, Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union's (POPCRU), National Education, Health and Allied Worker's Union (NEHAWU) and Public Servants Association (PSA). They expressed gratitude that the department decided to launch the forum. “Through the structure, we are hope full know that the demands of the employees will be met,” said NEHAWU member, Themba Peter.
His words were echoed by a POPCRU member, MD Sishuba, who said this forum will stop employees from going to the Port-folio Committee on Transport whenever they grievances. “Everything will be dealt with in this forum.”
The forum is expected to deal with among others, the issues of transformation in the department, ensure that the department carries out its mandate and obligation, ensure that labour/management issues are dealt with expeditiously, ensuring compliance with prescripts, deal with issues of mutual interest, take part in Strategic planning sessions of the department and ensure departmental compliance with prescripts and laws that govern employee relations.
