Volume 10, No.2 - March 2001

We're part of the union

VWSA court decision

NUMSA condemns Labour Court decision on VWSA workers

The labour court judgement reversing the CCMA arbitrator's award, which ordered the re-instatement of 1300 dismissed Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) workers, was regrettable. Now VWSA does not have to re-instate the Uitenhage workers nor pay them any compensation.

The union is however obliged by law to respect the labour court judgement. The court held that CCMA commissioner, Advocate Floors:

• Demonstrated failure to appreciate the nature of the enquiry,
• Misdirected himself as to the nature of the relief he could competently award, and
• Committed a gross irregularity or exceeded his powers.

The Oil, Chemical, General and Allied Workers Union (OCGAWU) may take the judgement on appeal to the Labour Appeal court.

NUMSA is concerned about the plight of the dismissed workers, given the high unemployment rate around Uitenhage, especially as some of them are supporting families and remain highly indebted with loans, instalments and bonded houses.

The union cannot abrogate its responsibility to cater for the immediate needs of workers, whether employed or unemployed. We have therefore opened our doors for these dismissed workers, but without making any false promises that we will find them employment. We will work closely with other social partners to find other forms of gainful employment such as co-operatives and negotiate a social plan to alleviate poverty and unemployment in Uitenhage.

We are however worried that OCGAWU, which represented the 1300 dismissed workers continues to deceive and mislead them. They must refrain from misinforming workers. OCGAWU and the Socialist Workers Vanguard League must be blamed for deceiving and misleading workers into being dismissed.

The union will never be quiet on the issue because it is our responsibility to find solutions for workers even in difficult situations. For more information or interviews contact Dumisa Ntuli 8322031/9 cell 0829737282.