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 3 Lockdown Regulations from 1 Junie 2020.
- QUALITY OF MASKS
UNTU received concerns from members at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) about the quality of facial cloth masks that was received by them from the Employer.
Management of TFR admitted that the quality of the masks that was distribute to employees was sub-standard. The masks where collected from UNTU members and returned to the supplier for a refund.
All TFR employees will shortly be issued with a three-ply cloth mask that meets the requirements. Management of TFR will keep employees updated on the progress and development in this regard in the form of a news flash.
It is mandatory for all Transnet employees to wear facial masks. All Transnet employees must be issued with a washable cloth facial mask for every day of the week.
- DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS
Transnet Group have been trying to formulate a way forward on how to conduct disciplinary hearings since the lockdown commenced on 26 March 2020.
The Leadership of UNTU insisted that the manner in which hearings have been conducted in the past now continue, as the alert level is to be lowered from Level 4 to Level 3 on 1 June 2020 in the fight to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic
On Level 3 a meeting of less than 50 people is allowed, if everyone adheres to the wearing of their cloth facial masks, and apply the required social distancing of 1,5m between individuals, then the disciplinary hearings can be conducted in a boardroom as is the current practise.
- GUIDELINES FOR THE 60+ YEARS OLD AND EMPLOYEES WITH CHRONIC
CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF COVID-19.
The parties decided to wait for clarity on the new regulations issued by Government for Level 3 before continuing with this document.
Transnet Management are still in discussion on how to manage the number of employees returning to work under Level 3 and how to screen them without contaminating the work area. This concern was raised by members on their return to work.
- TRANSPORT
Transnet Management is not willing to move from the stance that normal transport arrangements will apply as from Monday the 1st of June 2020. Untu raised their concern that public transport would only increase the risk of an employee and requested that management reconsider. Management were addiment that due to the number of employees returning to work it was not financially viable to continue with the transport arrangements.
If required, Operating Division may make other arrangements to assist employees, due to the shortage of public transport.
Once all completed documents have been shared with UNTU, it will then be distributed to members.
The next meeting is scheduled for the 3rd June 2020.
The Leadership of UNTU pray for the safety of all its members who are working to ensure that our economy is maintained.
UNTU will continue to keep members informed of any developments.
Esteemed greetings,
John Pereira
Obo
Steve Harris
GENERAL SECRETARY
