Cleaners and landscapers contracted into Stellenbosch University (SU) recently met to discuss and vote on a potential strike, as they feel that their employer, Servest, is refusing to grant them organisational rights.
Cleaners and landscapers contracted into Stellenbosch recently voted on potential strike action as they feel that their employer, Servest, is refusing to grant them organisational rights. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
SMF News attended the meeting between these workers and Themba Ncedo, the union official of the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU), on 8 March.
The cleaners and landscapers are employees of Servest, a cleaning service provider.
During the meeting, Ncedo explained that Servest is refusing to grant these cleaners and landscapers “organisational rights”.
Struggle to reach settlement
Servest is aware that a group of its colleagues at SU have expressed their intention to engage in industrial action, said Paul van Rooyen, human resources (HR) manager for Servest.
“We tried our best, but we couldn’t reach any settlement,” Ncedo stated. “We have to go out so that our voices can be heard. They [Servest] have to tell us what exactly makes them not want to give us rights.”
Themba Necdo, union official of the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU), led a ballot meeting held on 8 March in a lecture hall in Stellenbosch University’s engineering faculty. During this meeting Servest workers contracted into SU voted on potential strike action. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
‘Negotiating in good faith’
“Servest acknowledges and respects our colleagues’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and their right to participate in an authorised picket,” Van Rooyen stated. “As a responsible employer, we are committed to resolving disputes in accordance with the Labour Relations Act. Servest remains open to the possibility of resolving the dispute, negotiating in good faith for a prompt and amicable resolution; and engaging constructively with all parties involved.”
In total, 74 Servest employees contracted into Stellenbosch University, voted in favour of a strike in order to gain organisational rights. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
“We are committed to adhering to the Labour Relations Act to ensure that fair and lawful procedures are followed. It is our view that swiftly resolving this labour dispute is crucial for business continuity and the preservation of jobs, as this will benefit both the company and our colleagues,” Van Rooyen stated.
It could not be confirmed whether ICHAWU will take future action.
SMF News attended the meeting between Servest workers contracted into Stellenbosch University, and Themba Ncedo, the union official of the Independent Commercial Hospitality and Allied Workers Union (ICHAWU), on 8 March. VIDEO: Duné van Jaarsveld