CWU-Vodacom

SIZOBUYA

2008-02-13T09:28:00.000+02:00

SIZOBUYA

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

2007-11-13T01:02:00.000+02:00

The need has arisen to set the record straight on several matters. First, it seems that Vodacom management confuses the authority it has over its employees with authority over the union. Dear management, we are not your garden boys or kitchen girls, and we do not change our opinion based on your orders.

We understand that you are uncomfortable with us presenting the opinion that the working environment of your company is racialized, sexist and that you have tended to deny the rights of workers to join unions and go on strike, all of which the great Oliver Tambo opposed throughout his life. While you may see him as a late leader, we very much see him as a living figure, driving us to fight for a better South Africa where people have the same opportunities regardless of what colour their skin is.

Are we to understand that your company has completely overcome the legacy of apartheid? Please do tell. We are sure that millions of South Africans will be intrigued to know the secret.

Otherwise are you saying that you are satisfied with what Vodacom is doing to overcome this legacy? If that is so, we beg to differ. We can only be satisfied by justice, and it would be no favour to the nation to settle for less.

We predicted that the 3 employees you dismissed would be dismissed quite correctly, and we will not retract our statements to the effect that you had already sharpened the knives to cut off their livelihood even before the ink was dry on the summons to their disciplinary enquiries. We stand by our statement that this process was no more fair than a Nazi trial, where defendants were already tried, judged and sentenced even before they appeared before the judges.

We never made an analogy that Vodacom was Nazi due to racial or sexist policies, but if the shoe fits, wear it.

Finally, as a company that spends hundreds of thousands of Rands rewarding journalists, you should know that journalism is also about questioning the powerful, such as yourselves, and presenting opinions that might displease them. We do not aspire to your economic rewards with our humble blog, but we do aspire to maintain the highest standards of ethics in our free presentation of information and opinions. We will not retract statements just because they make you uncomfortable.

We do promise, however, to recognise your efforts the day you institute a policy f that clearly makes merit and contributions to the company the main reason for promotions and wage increases, and enact policy that actively militates against racial, gender or any other inappropriate discrimination. We would especially be please to see Vodacom ceasing to discriminate in payment and promotions against those of your employees who exercised their legal rights to join a union and strike.

Is it really too much to ask?

A reader had asked what the dismissed employees are doing in the mean time. We should make it known that they continued to draw salaries up to the date of their dismissal. Their cases are being appealed, but Vodacom is making things extremely hard, for example, by presenting 150 pages of documentation for one case and trying to drown justice in paperwork. The union continues to assist them and we are happy to report that our "fallen" comrades remain by our side as we move forward.

disciplinary hearings

2007-10-02T03:15:00.000+02:00

The CWU National leadership is very much concern about the outcome of the disciplinary hearing emanated from the peaceful industrial action. CWU find it very strange that Vodacom prosecution (and dismissals)is based on the highly edited video tapes developed by their Security company.CWU will continue to defend its members, and we also urge all CWU members at Vodacom to report all forms of treats and abuse by the intransigent and myopic management to the office of the General Secretary.

We will ensure that their rights to a fair trial (and appeal)is enforced by the Commission for the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration.

The outcome of these appeal will be communicated to all members and the outside world.

KANGAROO "DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES" AND PROPHETIC BLOGS

2007-09-21T02:33:00.000+02:00

We are saddened, but not surprised, that Thulani Thusi & Tebogo Mokoena have been dismissed by Vodacom. We predicted this outcome from the beginning of the disciplinary procedures. We knew this not because we have the gift of prophecy - though, like the Prophets of all religions and all ideologies we believe in speaking truth to those in power and accept any persecution that they may unleash.

We knew that this would happen because we know that even though there is an elaborate show of disciplinary hearings, the procedures are in nature no different than a lynch mob. In fact, a better analogy might be that of the courts of Nazi Germany. The company will do certain things for the sake of appearance, but it is the judge, the jury, the prosecution, the appeal tribunal and everything all rolled into one (and all these aspects are supervised by a single person).

Speaking of which, we note the terrible shame that the lead role in union bashing at Vodacom is being played by women. Women, no matter their colour, have always been allies of the progressive forces of this country because they know the pain of being put down because of who you are. It is sad that those in power will try to use oppressed people to kick other oppressed people in exchange for the opportunity to share in their power. It is sadder still to find people who are so unquestioningly willing to play that role.

Going back to Nazi Germany, it is never a good excuse to say "I was told to do so" or "I had no choice" or "There was nothing I could do differently". We invite anyone who feels that they are being used by those in power (and all of our readers) to check out the temporary exhibit on Sophie Scholl and the White Rose at the Apartheid Museum - or watch the movie about her (Sophie Scholl - the final days/Sophie Scholl - Die letzten Tage). You might find interesting that a white German girl of 21 found it in herself to stand up against such an overwhelming power. No matter what your circumstances, you never have an excuse for not doing what is right.

Going back to our prophetic role, let us make a few more predictions about Vodacom. First. Like the case of Comrade Clermy Mashabane, the cases of Tebogo and Thulani are so blatantly unfair and fabricated that they too will drag on as the company appeals time and again unfavourable results. Second, that this war of attrition will wear down management long before it wears out the workers. Third, that the union will outlive the union bashers and all those who would hurt it by many, many years.

ASOZA SAPEHLA 'MANDLA!

ANOTHER PARTIAL VICTORY FOR CWU

2007-09-04T10:18:00.000+02:00

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES AGAINST MEMBERS REDUCED
VODACOM AGREES TO WITHDRAW CASE OF "VODACOM 11"
CWU PUSHES MEASURES TO DIMINISH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
3 COMRADES STILL AWAITING "DISCIPLINARY" PROCEDURES

A top level intervention by CWU President Joe Chauke and General Secretary Gallant Roberts with top management at Vodacom has yielded some results. Most importantly are the following points

1. 18 of the people awaiting disciplinary procedures can resume work with only a final warning against them valid for nine months. These comrades should behave in an exemplary way to give the company no excuses to further discipline them.

2. Vodacom will endeavour to withdraw the case against the "Vodacom 11"

3. Employees who had medical aid and pension fund deductions made against them in August and lost much of their wages for that month can now pay these deductions over three months or encash leave to diminish financial hardhsip.

4. 3 Comrades will still have to face disciplinary procedures, mostly because they dared to complain to the police about threats made by Vodacom security forces. Apparently, Vodacom is trying to silence all news of its dirty war against the union, but terminating three employees who have much to say about the company's unfair labour practices will only have the opposite effect. CWU will fight these cases using all means legally possible.

POWER TO ICT WORKERS!

BAPHELA ABANTU

2007-08-11T04:43:00.000+02:00

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR VODAWORKERS

2007-08-10T09:51:00.000+02:00

Vodafone, Vodacom's parent, has now recognised our sister union Connect in another region in the UK. Following the court ruling that gave Connect recognition in Operations North, and the victory in South Africa, Vodafone decided to voluntarily recognise Connect in Operations South.

READ MORE ABOUT THE VICTORY FOR VODA WORKERS IN THE UK

As we celebrate another victory for the united voda-workers of the world, we also look onto the work that still remains to be done in South Africa.

First, we do not forget the comrades who are being singled out by the company to punish all of us for daring to demand our rights. We continue to demand that Vodacom allow our suspended comrades to come back from exile. If they are guilty of misconduct for demanding their rights, so is every one of us who picketed.

READ MORE ABOUT THE "EXILES FROM VODACOM"

Second, we will not rest until 100% of employees at Vodacom are united with one voice.

FORWARD TO A STRONG, WORKER CONTROLLED UNION!

Click on the image below for a larger version of the e-flyer.
Right click to download and save it.

VODACOM'S ATTACKS AGAINST WORKERS REACH NEW LOW

2007-08-08T07:13:00.000+02:00

Please take action before Vodacom causes further damage to workers.

On August 7th, 2007, 13 workers attempting to resume their duties after more than a month fo striking were called into offices and suspended from work. All 13 workers were given the same form letter. Workers were never given a chance to defend themselves or even find out what they were accused of or why. Workers who attempted to clarify were told that they company does not know, that they are still investigating.

The assault on workers seems carefully orchestrated to show other workers a vicious response to union activity. Several of those suspended have been active union leaders. One is pregnant, another one is recovering from surgery. Eight had been issued arrest warrants on orders from Vodacom for alleged breaches of picketing rules, at least five of whom have already spent time locked in jail for "crimes" like crossing imaginary lines. In an ironic twist, several of the employees have received awards for their contributions to the company.

To underline the discriminatory nature of these suspensions, none of the company managers who violated picketing rules or acted against court orders are being investigated. The company has refused to meet with the union, in direct contravention of the agreement signed a few days ago.

Please take time to write to Vodacom CEO, Alan Knott-Craig, to express that you are disturbed that the persecution of workers continues in Vodacom despite the agreement with the union. Strikers should in fact be commended as this was the most peaceful and orderly strike in the recent history of South Africa. Workers have a right to due process as per the company's own policy and potential misconduct should be addressed in a non-discriminatory manner.

Follow the link on the column on the right side of the blog and write your own letter!

VODACOM GRANTS FURTHER RECOGNITION OF CWU

2007-08-06T05:37:00.000+02:00

LOCK-OUT WITHDRAWN

STRIKE TO END BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 7

COMPANY INSIDERS WARN OF MASSIVE RETALIATION

Vodacom has at long length extended its recognition of CWU at Vodacom South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Vodacom Service Provider Company (Pty) Ltd. This after what has been the longest recognition strike in the history of the new republic and the largest strike by workers of a mobile telephone company in the history of Africa. Workers held out heroically throughout more than a month.

All CWU members at Vodacom are expected to report to work not later the 7^th August. Vodacom has withdrawn the lock out and its terms.

Especially of note is the removal of the Performance Measures and bonuses to Executives based on the limitation of the unionisation of the workforce. Vodacom and its' parent Vodafone admitted that executives received extra bonuses if they kept the union below Vodacom's often quoted "10%". This led to illegal activities against the union. Employees are studying the possibility of legal action should the company behave in bad faith.

Sources within the company have informed us that the backward sectors of the company have prepared a campaign of massive retaliation against striking employees. Perhaps dozens of employees will be charged with "breach of picketing rules." We have therefore prepared a series of legal, non-industrial actions to pressure the company in the event of each unfair disciplinary procedure.

We ask other Vodacom workers and our other supporters to stay tuned to this blog to find out how what they can do to stop reprisals.

The full text of the expanded recognition agreement will be published on this blog.

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF NON-SURRENDER, LONG LIVE!

THE BLOG IS BACK!

2007-07-30T08:28:00.000+02:00

Comrades,

We wish to report that after being suspended for allegedly being "spam" (and we do wonder what role some people with vested interests might have played in reporting this blog as such), our blog is back.

Much has transpired in the last days and we will be expanding this post to cover those updates.

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF NON-SURRENDER, LONG LIVE!

Union Network International condemns Vodacom arrests

2007-07-19T08:55:00.000+02:00

UNI condemns Vodacom’s input to the arrest of Reginald Mokitlane

On July 17 2007, Reginald Mokitlane, a Vodacom worker and a member of UNI affiliate, Communication Workers Union of South Africa (CWU) was arrested by police under the instruction of a Risk Management official from Vodacom.

Reginald was going home after the peaceful picketing of Vodacom which he, along with several hundred workers has done since the strike began on July 2nd to demand recognition for their union.

The strike has been perhaps the most peaceful strike in the recent history of South Africa. No damages to persons or property have been reported.

Reginald Mokitlane was leaving the protest site when the car he was riding in was stopped by Inspector Van Niekerk of the South African Police Service. A Risk Management official from Vodacom approached the car and pointed at Mokitlane and the Inspector ordered Mokitlane to get out of the car.

The police explained to other strikers that they had a warrant for the arrest of Mokitlane for picketing outside of the demarcated area, and therefore being in contempt of a court order enforcing picketing rules. According to Vodacom, Mokitlane had crossed an imaginary line between two stop signs. However, an arrest warrant was not shown.

A group of strikers followed the police to the Midrand Police Station, wanting to clarify the situation since police insisted that there was no arrest while asserting they had an arrest warrant. At the police station, workers were notified of another ten arrest warrants.

The arrest warrants come as workers enter the third week of a strike that has been characterized by being entirely peaceful on the union side. Workers were preparing to escalate pressure on Vodacom by marching to offices in the busy central business district of Johannesburg on Wednesday, July 18th. The arrests also come as the company prepares to defend charges that the strike should be declared illegal given the risk of violence and damages to property. Workers have reported company provocateurs infiltrating strikers to insult them, cameramen charging the picket line and even slapping workers. Workers have never responded to these aggressions.

Vodacom is the largest telecommunications company in South Africa, and is 50% owned by Vodafone and 50% owned by the local fixed line provider, Telkom.

Philip Jennings, General Secretary of UNI Global Union said “UNI condemns Vodacom’s actions to victimise union members and order police to make arrests under false pretences. Vodacom are urged to sit down at the table and resolve the issues with the CWU. UNI Global Union and our affiliates will not accept this victimisation and will be raising the matter directly with Vodafone. Vodacom are denying the workers, union recognition and is not acceptable when the majority of workers have demanded union recognition. The CWU have the full support of UNI and our affiliates in their struggles”

NEW MARCH, LETTER FROM THE UK, VIDEO OF OLD MARCH,

2007-07-17T07:18:00.000+02:00

Letter to Vodacom CEO Alan Knott-Craig

I have been informed by UNI Global Union of the disgraceful behaviour of Vodacom management in South Africa.
The attitude of Vodacom management towards the CWU and Vodacom workers is totally inexcusable and doesn't comply with ILO Core Labour Standards. I fully support the CWU and the workers in their struggle to get union recognition in Vodacom.
I am aware that the situation in South Africa is escalating and I urge Vodacom management to
immediately stop the anti-union tactics and allow the workers their basic right to have union recognition.
I look forward to hearing that you have changed your stance and that positive steps have been
made to a resolution of this conflict. Furthermore, we also condemn the recent steps to obtain a court order to stop the strike action, instead of talking to the CWU to resolve the issue

Denise McGuire
Connect
www.connectuk.org

THE VODACOM STRIKE

2007-07-15T09:38:00.000+02:00

VODACOM WORKERS DEMAND

1. Recognition of our union, CWU

2. Recognition of our Shop Stewards

3. Leave for Representatives to defend us

4. Cease to require the union to not negotiate on our behalf

Vodacom is the #1 telephone company in the country. With 30 million customers, 3 of every 5 South Africans with a mobile phone use Vodacom. The shareholders of the company earned R10,9 billion in profits last year.

Vodacom abuses its employees hiding behind a massive public relations exercise. Vodacom funds sports and other activities to ingratiate itself with the people of South Africa. Journalists are offered up to R100 000 through "Journalism Awards."

Those who create Vodacom's wealth are suffering. For example, according to workers, at Vodacom you are promoted, treated and paid based on your race and gender. Vodacom temporary workers are subjected to inhuman shifts of up to 18 hours. The company makes no provision for night shift workers, who often have no way of getting home safely. Women workers report sexual harassment. Employees have no way of addressing these grievances as they are subjected to a private arbitration process instead of CCMA. The company only follows the resolutions from this process when it suits them.

Vodacom's workers have been subjected to a campaign of terror for wanting a union. The CWU is a banned organization. Every week, members are called for "disciplinary hearings," where they are threatened, intimidated and/or disciplined in exaggerated ways, up to and including dismissal. Vodacom fines workers who join CWU through deducting from their pay dues for another union that they are not members of. Managers are offered economic incentives if they can keep union numbers below 10%.

A threshold of representativity can never be reached at Vodacom. Even if 100% of employees are recruited, Vodacom will continue to refuse to recognise CWU. The company does not acknowledge stop orders from employees that join the union and refuses to deduct dues from them. That is how they can claim that CWU has a low number of paid up members. Whenever the union achieves 30%, the company moves the goalpost by absorbing subsidiaries, hiring more permanent staff and inflating the numbers of staff. They have included temporary workers, flexi-staff and even interns in their count. They insist that all employees, from sweeper to CEO, must be counted.

Vodacom must be forced to respect the rights of workers and stop playing games. While CWU membership continues to grow every day, the company's extremist position has left workers no choice but to embark on a strike for recognition. The strike has gone on since July 2nd, and workers have been locked out. Vodacom workers should not stand alone against this attack. It is an attack against the laws of the Republic of South Africa and the historic conquests of the South African working class, orchestrated from the boardrooms of Vodafone UK.

Solidarity from the UK and the Vodalie of the day...

2007-07-10T07:40:00.000+02:00

A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FROM THE UK

We are writing to you from Vodafone UK , via our trade union, Connect. We are fighting for recognition here too and believe we are on the verge of an independent voice at work in part of the UK operation.

We have heard about your struggle and are writing to express our support and solidarity. We are with you in spirit and send our best wishes to our South African colleagues. Please stay strong and remember that your fellow Vodafone employees around the world are thinking of you.

Connect Vodafone branch.

Read Connect's Blog here

VIVA CONNECT, VIVA!
LONG LIVE THE UNITED VODAWORKERS OF THE WORLD, LONG LIVE!

Vodalie of the day #3

CWU only represents (insert your number here) per cent of employees at Vodacom.

On MSN news of July 3rd, Vodacom claims the union represents less than 10% of its staff.

On the Mail & Guardian online on the 4th, Field said the company's records show that less than 15% (645) of its staff belong to the CWU.

Maybe because Ms. Field has also been humiliated by being offered an economic bonus for keeping union numbers below 10%, on the 6th of July in News24 Field returns to 432 members, "less than 10%". Lots of luck, Dot! If you are willing to grovel for money like this, you deserve it!

THE TRUTH

CWU represents the majority of employees at Vodacom. Vodacom has refused to recognise signed forms of members, deducted dues for the wrong union, intimidated those who have expressed interest in the union, counted temporary workers (and even interns!) as permanent staff, dismissed members for their union activities and offered economic incentives and promotions for people to resign and fight the union. The only thing they have accomplished is a distortion of the numbers. Until recently, they could continue to claim with impunity that CWU represented less than 10%. Now, as an audit has begun, they occasionally slip and say 15%. Tomorrow we will be 20%, the day after 25% and so on.

Their final offer, which is one of the reasons negotiations broke down, was to request a new, higher threshold of 50%. Now, they have fallen back to "the 1999 agreement" and 30%, which they have refused to comply with or implement. Best of luck with your lockout! It's nice to know you are reduced to fight for something that we want.

Pictures & letter from depths of Vodahell

2007-07-04T04:54:00.000+02:00

YOU CALL THAT AN INTERDICT?

The day began with CWU members driving around the Johannesburg area with placards on their cars, attracting the attention of hundreds of workers that were beginning their day.
Workers marched down the streets of "Voda Valley" in Midrand. Simultaneous protests occurred in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.The demonstration today was a landmark for three reasons. It is the first labour demonstration in the area near Vodacom headquarters, where many of the new IT and communications companies have facilities. It is also the first time mobile communication workers engage in a recognition strike in the history of Africa. It is also one of the few times workers have struck for recognition (as opposed to wages and conditions) in recent memory in South Africa. Workers see the union as a tool to address serious problems in the workplace. For example, despite being started at the end of the era of minority rule Apartheid, Vodacom has implemented policies that have led to a workplace where positions of power are overwhelmingly reserved for single race and a single gender.

A group of managers observing from the gates of Vodacom. Judging purely by results, Vodacom has been a reluctant participant in the transformation of South African society.

Joe Chauke, President of the Communication Workers Union, on the right and Aubrey Tshabalala, Vodacom call center worker and CWU leader (left) address workers.

Greetings comrades,

It is appropriate and necessary to commend and thank those comrades who are currently engaged in protest action across the country. These are Vodacom employees who feel that enough is enough.

One worker that opts for the last resort of strike action is one to many. The fact that there are more than that by some number – who are partaking in the action aimed at contradicting Vodacom’s public claims that all is well – indicates that there is unhappiness with the way in which Vodacom treats its employees.

It is laughable that the communication officer for Vodacom, Dot Field, seeks to convey a message to the public that there are no incidents of intimidation, victimization, favoritism or disregard for fundamental worker rights that take place within its workplaces. According to her media statements there is not enough support for the claims that there is unfairness in the workplace to deem it necessary for Vodacom to even talk to this group of employees.

Vodacom hides behind an outdated agreement that is almost as old as the company to deny workers their basic rights.

By refusing to recognize a union to which its employees belong, the company is in effect saying that it refuses to recognize its employees that belong to those unions. Unless the company can show that it has a history of dealing fairly with individuals it cannot claim to be a fair employer. It knows it has no such track record. Instead it continually seeks new ways to take punitive action against its employees by dragging them into disciplinary hearings for transgressions that workers had no idea even existed. There these employees are dismissed at will without having adequate representation.

The use of these punitive measures displays keenness by Vodacom’s management to rule its workers with intimidation and fear. The workers that have decided to partake in strike action have indicated their willingness to stand opposed against workplace injustice and inequality. They stand not only for themselves but for all employees at Vodacom that are affected by the arrogance of its management.

For this they should be commended for they have taken the first steps in a journey to liberate workers at Vodacom from the oppressive grip of their employer.

To these workers we say – We salute you.

A Luta Continua!

Images from the Strike

2007-07-04T00:33:00.000+02:00

2007-07-03T07:20:00.000+02:00

Comrade Vodacom Worker:

You are aware that the struggle for recognition of CWU that started some time ago. Thanks to the legal road we have taken, we can now engage in a legal strike, which we believe is the best way to gain our rights. A labour court has upheld our certificate.

Note that the right to strike is a constitutional right, which you were born with. You cannot sign it away, any more than you could sign away your right to live and breathe. Don't be misled by management tricks. Remember we are fighting a company that every day is more controlled by the British company Vodafone. They are known all over the world for their union bashing.

It is essential that all Vodacom workers participate in the marches on Wednesday, July 4th. It is important for the government to realise what kind of company Vodacom is. It is shocking that a company that began operations in 1994 has made no progress towards transformation. The top levels of the company continue to be dominated by one racial group, by one gender. Thus previously disadvantaged workers are deprived of the opportunity to access the skills, positions and benefits of the top levels.

Let us not fool ourselves. No one has ever advanced in this country through being docile and obedient to those in power. It is only through struggle that workers have advanced in South Africa.

We have a solution to these problems that will make Vodacom a stronger company. Let us negotiate an end to salary discrepancies, and a system of payment and promotions that rewards merit and promotes transformation.

CWU is a national, non-racial union affiliated to Cosatu, committed to fight for workers rights. It is the largest union in the industry, and is considering applying for a secondary strike so that workers in other companies can join us. But no one will do for you what you will not do for yourself. This is why we need to be out in numbers.

JOIN THE MARCHES ON JULY 4!

VODAWORLD, Midrand - 9h00, Shell Garage

PIER PLACE, Cape Town - 11h00 Herengracht

OTHER LOCATIONS AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED

VODACOM STRIKE IS ON

2007-07-01T09:46:00.000+02:00

On July 2nd of 2007, Vodacom workers have an appointment with history. It will be the first time that workers in a mobile phone company embark on a full-blown strike. Not only that, but they will be helping to write the future of South Africa.

Vodacom is seemingly trying to make itself a prime representative of a brand of capitalism that seeks subvert the principles of the republic for which so many suffered so much for so long. They are have been fighting the right of workers to join unions, to collectively bargain, and to strike. This backward mentality is what we strike against at Vodacom.

When Vodacom offered us negotiations, we participated in good faith. We were shocked when the company asked the union to sign away the right to defend workers as a condition for any agreement. They know full well that we cannot accept to become a passive organisation that looks the other way when its members are suffering. We offered Vodacom our outstretched hand and they chose to spit on it.

We have seen intense and bitter fights. We do not want or like them. But we also know how to fight for what is right. We owe it to those who came before us and sacrificed so much for the rights that Vodacom would deny us.

We will not allow the workplace where we spend so much of our lives to be ruled by a privileged minority. We do not want a system where the only way to advance is to submit unconditionally to the whims of management. We do not want promotions, wage increases, and opportunities to participate in economic empowerment to depend on grovelling at the feet of anyone. We do not want the advancement of those who were historically disadvantaged to be based on who you know and how you behave to your superiors rather than your actual skills and your ability to do your job.

We want our constitutional rights. We want dialogue in the workplace. We want a fair and transparent system for payment and promotions that helps erase racism and rewards merit. We want to truly democratise telecommunications. We want quality customer care instead being used as a wall that customers smash into.

That is why we united as workers under the umbrella of Cwu, to challenge the Vodacom system of oppression. This is why they created a consultative, allegedly democratic body that they themselves keep under check, and that will never discuss issues such as how the profits that we all create should be distributed.

To those who did not settle for consultations but demanded actual dialogue and negotiations, they responded dirty tactics. They have tried to make those that disagreed into outcasts, always being watched for a tiny mistake in order to take away their way to make a living. They have failed spectacularly where our numbers are too big to maintain this regime.

Because we refused to kneel before those in power we have been treated as a banned organisation. Even those who are not working for the company are asked to cover the letters C W U before entering company premises. We know that managers have been offered economic rewards through their KPAs for maintaining our organisation weak and punished if they allow us to grow. They have even hired specialists in destroying unions.

They have misspent hundreds of thousands of Rand that we helped create with our work trying to overcome the union. They have failed time and again. They have dangled promotions in front of our leaders. They have offered us wage increases and maternity benefits (and even BEE, which they later retracted) the way someone offers a morsel to a dog that barks.

They have done the unthinkable to preserve their image, to keep us from striking and exposing their subversive attacks on the rights enshrined in the constitution of the new republic. Now it is time for us to take the streets to show the whole country their shameful behaviour.

It is up to us to tear out the re-sprout of a new system of oppression that is taking root in our workplaces. We can stop those who would undermine the democratic revolution of South Africa. We will stop Vodacom and other companies if they seek to create a new system of minority rule through the workplace.

We will show the world that there is a cure for this plague of ruthless capitalism that is spreading throughout the world. It is called worker-controlled unionism.

Long live the united workers of Vodacom!

Viva CWU, Viva!

Viva COSATU, Viva!

Phambile!

ELECTIONS FOR SHOP STEWARDS

2007-06-20T01:20:00.000+02:00

What is a shop steward?

Shop stewards are the keys to member control within a union.

Shop stewards are workers elected by their comrades. Unlike some higher ranking officers and officials whose duties take them away from the workplace, shop stewards continue to be strong and confident worker leaders at the workplace level. They make sure that what workers want in their workplace is reflected in the direction that the union takes.

Who can be a shop steward?

Being a shop steward is a serious responsibility. It demands a rare kind of temperament and discipline that not everyone has. It is a commitment of service to fellow workers. A shop steward must not be shy to stand up for the rights of other workers. Shop stewards lead, while not being too proud to listen to workers who elected them.

When it is time for rewards, a shop steward is always the last, but when it comes to sacrifices a shop steward is always the first to make them, including giving up personal time.

While being a shop steward is a sacrifice, it is also the door to achieving greater challenges and responsibilities. It is hard to find a high-ranking union officer or official in the world that did not serve as a shop steward. The discipline and spirit of a shop steward is what should carry the best comrades into leadership positions.

What are the duties of a shop steward?

Shop stewards maintain vigilance so that no employer can slip anything by them that may discriminate against or hurt a worker. Shop stewards defend fellow workers in disciplinary and grievance procedures. When they sit next to a worker in a grievance or disciplinary hearing, they bring into the room the collective support o their entire constituency for their comrade who is in distress

Shop stewards are also the guardians of agreements between companies and employees. They are the eyes and ears of the union at the workplace, making sure that the provisions agreed to are being carried out by the company.

Shop stewards build unity among all workers, recruiting new members to strengthen the union’s voice at workplace level.

Finally, shop stewards are the vital link that brings the mandate of the workers up to the union leadership and reports back to the shop floor on decisions taken based on this mandate. That is why shop stewards are the backbone of a union, without which it cannot stand.

Can a union have Shop Stewards without company approval?

If unions were to depend on company approval for their functions, unions would not exist. Shop Stewards are union officers and their mandate and powers come from workers, not from employers. We may not yet have the full facilities (time off, office space and equipment) for Shop Stewards, but we can also not wait for pre-approval to elect the structures mandated by our union constitution. Member control cannot wait.

BE PREPARED FOR ELECTIONS!

FIND THE BEST AMONG YOUR FELLOW WORKERS.

DATES, LOCATIONS AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

ALL CWU MEMBERS TO HAVE MEETINGS

2007-06-15T04:45:00.000+02:00

All Regions of CWU should endeavor to have meetings to discuss the negotiations.

Comrades we need you there in numbers, remember decisions has to be taken by you, You are the CWU UNION.

Aluta Continua

The Negotiation team is composed of:

Xoliswa Makana, Eastern Cape
Shepperd Mazwi, Western Cape
Hadley Goliath, Free State
Una Gumede, KZN
Gary Van Niekerk, Gauteng
Thabo Mogolane, Deputy General Secretary of CWU
Aubrey Tshabalala, Allied Sector Coordinator in Gauteng
Mike Gwamanda, CWU Organiser
Joshua Sibuyi, CWU Organiser

Notice to CWU Members in Gauteng

Please note that there will be a feedback mass meeting regarding the ongoing negotiation between CWU delegate and Vodacom on the 20th June 2007 at Vodacom at 17:15. The venue for such will be forwarded to you in a due course.

STRIKE AT VODACOM SUSPENDED UNTIL JUNE 12th

2007-06-07T00:29:00.000+02:00

COMPANY AND UNION BEGIN TALKS

Meeting by teleconference call yesterday, the Interim Vodacom National Committee (IVNC) of the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) resolved to suspend industrial action against Vodacom scheduled to begin yesterday. Based on the feedback from the provinces the IVNC, accompanied by CWU President Joe Chauke, resolved to take the following position representing the majority position of union members:

THE STRIKE AGAINST VODACOM IS NOT CANCELLED, IT IS SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY TO GIVE A CHANCE TO NEGOTIATIONS. ON JUNE 12th, WORKERS WILL MEET TO ASSESS THE PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS. IF THEY ARE CONSIDERED NON-SATISFACTORY, THE UNION WILL RESUME ITS STRIKE ON THE 13TH OF JUNE.

President Joe Chauke called on members to not forget that this was the outcome of pressure against Vodacom, and asked members to remain ready for action. He also announced that unions representing 15 million workers around the world in Union Network International (UNI) will act in solidarity with CWU.

The individual positions from the provinces, were as follows:

KwaZulu-Natal had not been able to meet and could not attend the teleconference.

Free State Province met Tuesday evening and resolved to call for a suspension of the strike pending negotiations.

Port Elizabeth had not been able to meet, and reported that local managers are sabotaging an agreement between the company and the union. Leaders took the position that the suspension would be in order.

In Western Cape, workers at both Technocentre and Pier Place resolved to suspend the strike action pending negotiations.

In Gauteng Province, Sandton reported that union members continue to be harassed and that local management is also sabotaging talks.

Johannesburg Life Centre supported suspension for negotiations.

Midrand (Vodaworld), at a meeting on Tuesday, strongly supported continuing the strike.

All provinces reported problems in communication between the different structures and frustration about not being able to talk to members about the developments as they unfolded. The IVNC is taking steps to remediate this issue.

Furthermore, the IVNC resolved to form a negotiating committee with one representative from each province plus national officers and officials as designated by the union leadership. Negotiations are scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. This blog will post updates of negotiations as they unfold.

AMANDLA!

Vodacom strike continues...

2007-06-04T10:20:00.000+02:00

Comrades/workers please familirise yourselves with this program, also note that non union members are protected by the industrial action certificate. All Vodacom workers are encouraged to participate in this action, to be in solidarity with their fellow collegues. Unity is strength and together we will conquer.

For any challenges experienced please feel free to contact our CWU provincial offices for assistance:

Eastern Cape: Macvicar - 0839286721

Western Cape: Mandla Gqamlana - 0844515601

Kwazulu Natal: Siqu Sikakane - 0833760283

Free State: Joshua Sibuyi - 0768534124

Gauteng: Aubrey Tshabalala - 0829948196

2007/06/06 & 2007/06/07
Go slow and work to rule followed by demonstration and meetings at 12h00 outside all Vodacom premises.

2007/06/08
Full blown strike action.

· Demonstrations (nationally) in all Vodacom premises and hand in of memorandum to regional offices.
· Vodacom representative should avail themselves to receive memorandum from CWU representatives at 12h00, noon in the following offices:

- Vodaworld (Gauteng)
- Pierplace (Western Town)
- Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape)
- Bloemfontein (Free State)
- Pietermaritzburg (KZN)

2007/06/09 to 2007/06/12

Go slow and work to rule followed by 3 (Three) hour picketing starting at noon, 12H00

2007/06/13
Full blown strike action.

National March to hand in a memorandum to all regional offices as follows:

Vodaworld (Gauteng)
Pierplace (Western Town)
Port Elizaberth (Eastern Cape)
Bloemfontein (Free State)
Pietermaritzburg (KZN)

Vodacom representative should avail themselves to receive memorandum from CWU representatives:

This will mark the end to phase one of our industrial action, note that should be no agreement we will embark on the second phase of our industrial action which we intend to include a secondary strike. This will involve all our members in the Telecommunication industry from companies like Telkom and others.

An injury to one, is an injury to all...

UNION UPDATES

2007-05-25T02:16:00.000+02:00

Demands - A list of demands were submitted to Vodacom on the 27 March
2007,in particular a wage dispute and to date the company has not
responded to the union. The union requested a meeting with the company and
now over 30 days have lapsed without a response. On the 15 May 2007 the
union filed a wage dispute to the CCMA.

Audit - As you aware of the dispute between Vodacom and CWU about
organisational rights. The department of Communications decided they
should intervene as an independent body. Parties present took a decision
that an audit should be conducted to determine the numbers of permanent
employee at Vodacom against the number of registered CWU members. An
independent auditor has been appointed by the department and two
representatives from either party will form part of the audit team. The
first phase has already been completed and the second phase of the audit
is under way.

Vodafone - The CEO of Vodafone wrote a letter to Union Network International (UNI) and
gave misguiding information about the current situation affecting workers
in South Africa. This will highlight either how little they know about
workers struggle within Vodacom South Africa or it is a deliberate action to pretend as
if nothing wrong is happening in this country.
Read the response from CWU:

CWU recognition – by the joint Venture Company, Vodacom (Pty) Ltd

Dear, Fackson

The letter (from Arun Sarin addressed to Phillip Jennings) dated 30th
April 2007 is devoid of truth and misleading

Let me take the liberty of correcting distortions contained in the
aforementioned letter and other related matters.

1) Although, parties (Communication Workers Union, Vodacom and Department
of Communication) have agreed to cede all communication rights pertaining
the forensic audit – conducted by Gobodo Forensic and Investigative
Accounting (Pty) Ltd, that does not take away our rights to defend the
image of the organisation when called upon.

2) The agreed upon terms of reference indicates that the auditing process
will be guided by the following phases, namely:
Phase 1, start up phase: collect and collate relevant information
pertaining to the membership of CWU at Vodacom
Phase 2, physical counting of CWU members in all Vodacom SA premises
Phase 3, conducting of formal interviews with people who were not
appearing on the documents provided by either parties during phase one
Phase 4, report writing

3) According to our official records – Minutes of the Introductory
Meeting, dated the Friday, 13th April 2007, auditors have not yet
completed the task given. Perhaps, Vodafone will have to furnish Union
Network International with the supporting documentation to their
allegation.

4) The meeting of the 13th April 2007 – facilitated by Grant Buchler
(forensic auditor) and attended by Janomi Boyce, Claire Lapham [Vodacom
delegation], Mike Gwamanda and Aubrey Tshabalala [CWU delegation] agreed
on particular process (as supported by the terms of reference) and the
tentative dates for the second round. Therefore, paragraph 2 ("this audit
was completed on April 13th and we are now waiting for the results") is
devoid of truth and misleading.

5) Its encouraging to hear that Vodacom subscribes to the principle of the
freedom of association - that is enshrined in the Supreme Law of the
Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. But, the Managing Director,
Shameel Joosub is on record expressing his displeasure about the
increasing number of union members at Vodacom (Minutes dated 10th August
2006, page 3). The unilateral cancellation of CWU stop orders and dual
deduction of union fees, particularly employees migrating from the Union
of Media Workers of South Africa joining CWU, confirms the strategy and
the delaying tactics meted against CWU. Secondly, in his letter dated 1st
April 2007, page 3, addressed to the Miss L Ndlovu: the Executive Director
Human Resource Executive, he insist on the minimization of the union
membership to 10% and pleads with her to promote the effectiveness of the
Consultative Committee funded by the company and chaired by him (with veto
powers)

6) The aforementioned rights (par 4) can only be limited by a competent
court of law (e.g. Constitutional Court of the Republic of South Africa)
and Vodacom (Pty) Ltd has no jurisdiction - in limitation of the basic
rights as enshrined in the Supreme law of our country

7) The South African Labour Court still has to pronounce itself on the
violations of the workers rights as per the Labour Relations Act – this
matter has been delayed unnecessarily by the Judge of the labour Court.
For the benefits of Vodafone it might be proper to give correct sequence
of events:
· 12th March 07: Vodacom obtained an interim interdict against the
industrial action
· 19th March 07: after a lengthy argument presented by the
applicant (Vodacom) and the respondent (CWU) the judge requested for more
time. The matter was postponed for the 16th April 07
· 16th April 07: unfortunately the matter was not on the records of
the day, and the judge deferred the matter for the 14th May 07. We hope
and pray that this matter will be put to rest so that parties are able to
determine the path going forward – because justice delayed is justice
denied. This delay does not auger well to the entire membership (and other
members of the federation, the Congress of the South African Trade
Unions). Consultation with other government structures (preferably the
Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional
Developments) can not be ruled out

8) The victimization of the CWU members at Vodacom has been a daily
practice – we are not surprised by the distortion of facts by the
management of the joint venture company.

CWU is registered with the South African Department of Labour and we
always make it a point that our operations are in line with the statute of
the country and other international conventions. We strongly believe that
the Information and Technology Industry is one of the key drivers of the
economy. The South African regulatory framework does acknowledge the role
of Foreign Investment in order to unlock full the capabilities of this
industry, whilst fulfilling the National Objectives. And Vodacom is
playing a significant role in bridging the digital divide and the creation
of descent and sustainable jobs. Therefore, there is a need for strong
stakeholder relations in the industry. Our call for the promotion of the
principle of collectivism and the recognition of the collective bargaining
agent should not be perceived negatively.

CCMA-Our comrade Nwabisa was unfairly dismissed by Vodacom, the case was
heard at CCMA and the arbitrator indeed agreed that the dismissal was
unfair. The company has decided that the arbitrator was not in his right
mind and have filed to the labour court with an intention to have the
decision reviewed. As we know that the same has happened with another
comrade from Midrand Clermy where the company doesn't want to accept
justice.

The company must not be allowed to set precedence in applying undemocratic
principals at the expense of a worker.

An injury to one, is an injury to all

Sincere condolences to the bereaved Rampai AJ and family members – Missing files and defenseless members

2007-05-15T11:49:00.000+02:00

14 May 2007 - Press release

The labour court matter between Vodacom (Pty) and the Communication Workers Union has been postponed for the third time, due to various reasons. This morning the file was no where to be found and parties (CWU and Vodacom) later told that Rampai AJ is in possession of the file and there is an untimely death of a close relative. Whilst CWU extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved family members - Vodacom employees will remain defenseless and subjected to horrendous employment conditions.

CWU fully respects organs of the state and the rule of law. However, we would like to bring the following developments to the outside world:

· 12th March 07: Vodacom obtained an interim interdict against the industrial action
· 19th March 07: after a lengthy argument presented by the applicant (Vodacom) and the respondent (CWU) the judge requested for more time. The matter was postponed for the 16th April 07
· 16th April 07: unfortunately the matter was not on the records of the day, and the judge deferred the matter for the 14th May 07.
· 14th May 07: the file is no where to be found – later told that the file is with Rampai AJ (circuit in Bloemfontein) - and Rampai AJ has a death in his family (close relative) – the matter is postponed for the 28th May 07

Much as we sympathize with Rampai, but we strongly believe that the institution, Labour Court, is not doing justice to workers (on this matter) and the organised labour. The interim order has overstayed – without any remedy to the prejudiced workers.

We hope that the Labour Court Judge President, Zondo Ray AJ, will look into this matter with the dignity it deserves. We strongly believe that matters of this magnitude can not be confined to personal constraints.

Issued by: Communication Workers Union
Comments: Mfanafuthi Sithebe
Tel: +27 11 8388188
Mail: mfanafuthis@cwu.org.za

Here are some of the human rights CWU is fighting for

2007-05-08T03:55:00.000+02:00

Living wage: Workers demand an 18% increase, yet the shareholders, based solely on managements recommendations, decided that 7% increase was sufficient. Although there were discussions about our wages, workers were entirely excluded from this process—even the trusted CC was reduced to an audience.

Health care: Because the company requires health care as a prerequisite of employment, workers demand a 100% medical aid. It is our health and we should be free to choose our own health care. But, currently, workers’ rights to choose a medical aid of their choice has been limited by Vodacom.

Casualisation: The company is currently exploiting workers and making us all more vulnerable. The company should immediately do away with casualisation of labour and treat workers with dignity by giving people permanent jobs they deserve.

Reasonable working hours: The working hours must be reduced to 40 hours a week without any loss of pay to harmonise the professional and personal lives of employees.

Shift system: Currently, Vodacom determines how and when we work. Since it is our lives, we say that we should have a say in the process. Workers must be allowed to negotiate on a shift system that is fair and worker friendly.

Housing subsidy: Everyone is entitled to a safe, reasonable place to live. The company should discuss with us a negotiated housing subsidy for the benefit of all company employees.

Transport Allowances: Just like everyone has a right to live free from harm, so people should be able to commute to their place of employment in a safe way. The company should provide reliable, safe and accessible means of transport for all shift workers.