The bilateral was held on 20 April 2020. The meeting was Chaired by Executive Employee Relations Manager, Adv. Des le Roux, Ranti Mahlabana Chief Executive Officer of PRASA Rail and all Regional Managers and Employee Relations Managers as well as some Human Relations Managers were in attendance. Thiloshni Naidoo Wellness Manager – HCM was also in attendance.
First discussion was with regards to the “arrangements during the lockdown” issued on 26 March 2020. Clause 3.3 of the Communication: –
“3.3 Managers with laptops who will not be working during this time are expected to take their annual leave and should therefore submit the necessary leave forms.”
Management want to include the Bargaining Unit Employees in this clause, as from the extension of the lockdown.
The financial constraints of PRASA was there main reason. Labour made it clear that they will not agree to or support this request. It was agreed that this matter will be taken back to the Administrator with Labours views. As the Administrator said Management must get Labours feel on this, before enforcing any changes.
Thiloshni Naidoo Wellness Manager – HCM from PRASA Corporate gave an overview of the current PRASA Potential COVID-19 cases. A spread sheet containing the necessary information is attached.
It was clear that some regions were not captured correctly. It is concerning that in the Western Cape there is a high number of cases. Terra Nongqongqo confirmed one person was tested and waiting on test results, he then said that 12 more employees were tested and waiting on test results. It was made clear that UNTU is not at all impressed that all of this was denied to date. It was agreed that Labour will be updated by Thiloshni Naidoo Wellness Manager – HCM from PRASA Group as and when any changes occur.
You will be informed as and when Labour receive updated information in this regard.
It was confirmed that all Regions have wellness workers to do screening when employees return from self-quarantine. It was agreed that there will be a national guideline in this regard.
PPE was discussed in-depth, all Regions and Divisions confirmed that the PPE is available and in stock. It was stressed from Group that all PPE is available now, but when the Lockdown gets lifted there will be a shortage, and they are doing everything in their powers to get sufficient PPE in time to cover PRASA National.
All TUR’s are requested to report to their NFTUR’s if there are any shortages in workplaces.
Various questions were raised from Labour on how Management is dealing with employees under self-quarantine, and if it will be registered as IOD. Management will revert to Labour on this issue.
The second question was on Contract Security members, if there are Contract Security in all Regions, and if it is true that in Kwa-Zulu Natal the contracts will end at the end of April 2020.
Management committed to give feedback as there were no Manager from Protection Services in attendance at this bilateral meeting.
It was agreed that the bilateral meeting be held within 7 days, and Labour demanded that NFTUR’s be included, this was agreed by Management.
Keep safe and help us keep you safe Report where Lockdown rules are not being followed
UNTU Greetings,
N Haasbroek
Obo SA HARRIS
GENERAL SECRETARY
