By Lekhotla Mokoena
Workers at an old age home in Sasolburg in the Northern Free State are at odds with the place’s management whom they have accused of unfair treatment and unjust exercise of power in dealing with their labour issues.
The Manager of Engo Ons Gryse Jeug Old Home in particular is accused by the these workers, whose names are withheld by Puisanon News for fear of reprisal, of unfair labour practices, discrimination, nepotism, invasion of privacy and emotional abuse and many others.
The workers are also baffled of the long list of disciplinary case after disciplinary case at the centre manager, and said this is a form of intimidation to them.
Workers have called for investigation into high number of disciplinary hearings at the centre as well as an untold demotions of staffers and that employees be given first preference when there are vacancies at the home.
They claim that the labour laws are flouted even when these disciplinary hearings. Workers are just hauled before the hearing without any prior warning – verbal or written.
Workers further claim that the manager is under qualified and lacks medical background to be in such a position.
They further alleged that there is no privacy for them and the elders at the home as the manager discusses employees issues and watch CCTV footages with family members thus putting their privacy, safety and of the elders at risk.
Engo’s Chief Executive Director, De Wet Claassens refuted allegations of unfair labour practices and said disciplinary hearings are conducted fairly as required by the applicable legislation.
“It is categorically denied that any unfair labour practices are committed, or that disciplinary hearings are held without following due process. Where allegations against employees are made, management is obliged to investigate same and where necessary will take disciplinary action when it is recommended by the person or persons chairing such hearings. We assure you that every possible precaution is taken to ensure that disciplinary hearings are conducted fairly as required by the applicable legislation,” he said.
Claassens admitted that the manager is under investigation saying “The allegations made in respect of the manager has been brought to our attention and is being investigated and will, if there are any substance in such allegations, be dealt with internally and in accordance with our internal processes”.
He assured that Engo and the Centre’s management board takes all matters of this nature seriously and that it acts in a responsible manner to protect the interests of residents at the Centre and to ensure that employees are treated fairly.
De Wet Claassens also advised workers to lodge their grievance with their trade union at the centre.
“The majority of our employees belong to a trade union, and they are at liberty to address their complaints through the union alternatively make use of the formal grievance procedure that is available for this purpose,” he said.
