Too little too late. That is how the United National Transport Union (UNTU) feel about the improvements that has been made in the claims system of the Compensation Fund as part of the action plan.
Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says although the Union welcomes all the efforts by Vuyo Mafata, the new commissioner, the funds pathetic handling of the claims from service providers over years, scared its relationship with organised labour, employers and service providers permanently.
Service providers simply refuse to treat workers if it is an injury on duty claim because they know that claims as old as 2011 are only now being paid
“UNTU had to negotiate with Transnet to agree to pay the medical expenses of workers injured on duty until the Compensation Fund commence with payments. This was to prevent injured UNTU members from being refused medical assistance because the Compensation Fund are unable to fulfil its duty,” says Harris.
According to Harris UNTU would like to see a situation where the fund is not complemented for the fact that it paid out R3.9 billion in medical compensation and pension payments in 2015/2016 compared to R2 billion the previous year. “It should be the norm, not an achievement,” says Harris.
For enquiries phone Mr. Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
