On Thursday 20 June 2013, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads and Transport called the Department of Public Works to account for allegedly reneging from a Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration award for Expanded Public Works Program employees.
The Committee had received numerous complaints from EPWP employees who took the department to CCMA and won. The employees stated that the CCMA made an award that the department must pay them a once off payment of R15 000 each. The department made a deal with a group that was said to be representing them, but the affected workers did not really understand the contents of the deal.
According to the Acting Head of Department for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Samuel Thobagale, the department made a proposal to Nehawu representatives that the concerned employees be absorbed back into the EPWP contract and receive a stipend of R2 500 monthly. When the affected employees are absorbed into the EPWP contracts, the R15 000 award falls away.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Galeng said the department failed to explain properly to the affected employees.
“They should have made each employee to sign a contract that he or she accepts that. Other people stated it clearly that they want their money not employment as they have other alternatives. All affected people should be called in one place and it be explained to them what the contents of the deal is because most of them were under the impression that they will get the R15 000 and the job,” said Hon. Galeng.
The Committee will meet again on Tuesday, 25 June to discuss litigation on the Koster-Lichtenburg road.
For more information:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
