Cosatu backs Nehawu strike at Parliament

Cosatu will support Nehawu's decision to down tools to demand the suspension and investigation of Parliament's secretary Gengezi Mgidlana.

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Johannesburg - Coastu has thrown its full weight behind a call from National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) for the suspension and investigation into Parliament’s setary Gengezi Mgidlana.

The federation said on Thursday that it would support Nehawu’s decision to down tools over the matter. Cosatu would marching on Parliament on October 7 if there was no resolution.

The call comes after an ongoing dispute between the union and Parliament. Nehawu has been at loggerheads with Mgidlana since a protracted strike last year. It has been over pay hikes, bonuses and new new security vetting.

Western Cape Cosatu secretary Tony Ehrenreich warned that the dispute was “threatening the good standing of Parliament''.

“The refusal and failure of the secretary to engage and resolve the dispute with Nehawu is an indication of serious leadership shortcomings. Cosatu calls on the CCMA to intervene and assist the parties to engage and resolve the matter,” he said.

“Cosatu will insist that the Parliament be treated like any other employer if they continue victimising and intimidating the members and leadership of Nehawu.”

September should be a month of action against Parliament and for all workers to prepare themselves for the action, he said.

Cosatu has also called for ANC intervention to help resolve the dispute.

“The ANC can’t be a spectator to this dispute and must urgently intervene and direct the parties to find a solution. The failure of the ANC to give direction to key challenges facing our country and the movement is leading to a situation where institutions are becoming personal fiefdoms.”

Parliament spokesperson Luzuko Jacobs was unable to provide comment immediately.

@heidigiokos

Labour Bureau