CWU CCMA referral

On 15 May, the CWU referred a dispute of MUTUAL INTEREST to the CCMA, specifically because its members has demanded that the SABC puts itself in a position to be able to afford to pay its obligations.

It subsequently, on 28 May, demanded that the SABC first pay the 12.2% it owes, and only then open negotiations for a drop in pay, of 3.7%.

The drop in pay request by management will be taken to members in good faith - as we believe anyone has the right to table demands, even the employer - but only once the SABC negotiates in good faith by first meeting its 12.2% obligations.

It is the mutual interest of workers and the SABC alike that negotiations take place in good faith.

However the SABC prefers to approach negotiations in bad faith, hoping that members will become desperate, and take the 3.7% drop in pay, without any further questioning.

We have tabled a demand that goes with this - that the entire EXCO voluntarily resigns. Those who believe they have added value, rather than destroying, the SABC, may then re-apply.

At a resolution meeting on 15 June, however, the SABC refused to meet its good faith obligations, and insisted they do not have the money to give 12.2% now, and offered 3.7% less (8.5%).

We are awaiting the commissioners ruling on the two aspects of the dispute - the 12.2% obligation, and the union's demand for the SABC to stop trying to reduce our pay, before it has gotten rid of all wastage, and wasters.