The Communication Workers Union (CWU), the Broadcast, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) and the Media Workers Association of South Africa (MWASA) have declared a dispute over the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)s inability to pay a 12,2% increase promised under a multiyear salary deal signed in 2008. SABC employees will march from the The three unions are co-ordinating their actions. The CWU and MWASA have already given notice of industrial action to SABC, while BEMAWU, which framed its dispute differently and has more members, will notify the public broadcaster on 15 July 2009 concerning its plans. BEMAWU strike will be done in support of the CWU and MWASA.
On 10 July 2009 the SABC increased its wage offer to between 9,25% and 10,25%, depending on job grades and was backdated to 1 April 2009. Under this offer, the lowest-paid workers would get a higher increase, said Vulture Ntuluki, CWU representative. The SABC had previously offered 8,5%. Ntuluki said workers had rejected this offer and were being used to bear the brunt of a situation not of their making. President of Bemawu Hannes du Buisson, described a meeting with employees yesterday as one of the most difficult meetings Ive ever attended. He said members were unwilling to compromise or accept anything less than the 12,2% increase. Some members had wanted to strike immediately without giving notice.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said contingency plans would be enacted to deal with this planned march.
The SABCs interim board was appointed on 13 July 2009 by acting President Kgalema Motlanthe . Consisting of Chairwoman Irene Charnley, Deputy Chairman Phillip Mtimkulu, Libby Lloyd, Leslie Sedibe, Suzanne Vos, the SABCs acting group CEO Gab Mampone, Chief Financial Officer Robin Nicholson and Acting Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Mampane, the board will be in place for six months. A planned meeting between organised labour and Charnley was postponed and is expected to take place today.
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