The Leadership of the United National Transport Union (UNTU) today held a virtual meeting with representatives of Transnet Group to discuss areas of concern in combatting the spreading of the global COVID-19 pandemic under the COVID-19 Level 4 Lockdown Regulations.
1. MANDATORY FACIAL MASKS
Transnet Group send out a communication informing employees that it is
mandatory for all Transnet employees to wear facial masks. Transnet will issue each employee with a washable cloth facial mask for every day of the week.
The rollout of cloth masks has started. If you have not yet received your five cloth masks, Transnet will provide you with two (2) surgical masks per day until the cloth masks are distributed.
Frontline employees such as security personnel, technicians, receptionists, IT service, human resource
personnel where applicable, cleaning staff, and groundsmen will be issued with cloth masks and surgical
masks.
2. POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES
It is with great concern that the Leadership of UNTU took note of the sharp increase in positive cases
in Transnet.
The breakdown is as follows:
▪ Transnet Freight Rail – 8 cases
▪ Transnet Port Terminals – 10 cases
▪ Transnet National Ports Authority – 2 cases
UNTU would like to reiterate to its members the importance of complying with the lockdown regulations,
not only to ensure the safety of yourself and your colleagues at work, but also that of your loved ones at
home.
The Leadership of UNTU appeal to our members to continue practicing good hygiene by washing hands
with soap and water or using hand sanitiser and to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. TRANSPORT
Transnet Group informed the leadership of UNTU at our previous meeting that the employer intents to
stop the transport that has been offered to employees since the start of the lock down on 26 March
2020. This matter is still being considered by management.
The Leadership of UNTU is of the view that if Transnet stops providing transport and employees will
have to use public transport, they will be more exposed to being infected with COVID-19.
Transnet Group stated that due to the financial impact and legal liability it was difficult to continue to
provide employees with transport. Transnet Group will comply with regulations to provide transport in
locations where no public transport is available.
The Leadership of UNTU insisted that Transnet Group put this decision on hold until there is certainty if
the lockdown level will remain on Level 4 or move to Level 3.
4. TRANSNET REMOTE WORK GUIDELINES
Transnet Group send out guidelines to be followed when employees are working from home. These
guidelines were only applicable to grades A to F.
The parties agreed that these guidelines would be applicable to all grades from A to L.
5. SCREENING
Thermal screening is taking place at all relevant depots.
Transnet Group have committed to issue each employee with a digital thermometer. The procurement
process is currently underway.
6. DISCIPLIANRY HEARINGS
A guideline on CONDUCTING DISCIPLINARY PROCESS DURING LOCKDOWN has been forwarded to
the Leadership of UNTU for comments and proposals.
UNTU leadership will peruse the guidelines and give feedback to management at their next meeting.
7. ANNEXURE 1 DISCLOSURE AND DECLARATION FORM
UNTU raised a concern with regards to the filling in of the form as we have received a lot of complaints
from members.
UNTU members felt that their confidentiality was being violated. The Leadership of UNTU is of the
view that employees are entitled to medical confidentiality.
Transnet Group. undertook to relook and resend communication to local management that these
documents are confidential and should only be shares with the occupational practitioner.
Next meeting will be held on 21 May 2020.
The Leadership of UNTU prays for the safety of all our members who are working to ensure that our
economy is maintained.
UNTU will continue to keep our members informed about any developments.
Esteemed greetings,
John Pereira
O. b. o Steve Harris
GENERAL SECRETARY
