NEHAWU hints at a possible SHUTDOWN of ICASA’S operations

A major update reveals the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has cautioned about a potential Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) shutdown due to labor-management strife.

NEHAWU’s Branch Secretary Kabelo Thelele stated this, underscoring a critical deadlock in salary talks for the 2023–24 financial year. This deadlock is the third in a row, with the latest instance taking place on August 14, 2023.

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NEHAWU LOOKING FOR A WAGE INCREASE

At the heart of the dispute is the matter of salary increments. ICASA proposed a 4.4% increase, which was rejected by NEHAWU and its ICASA branch. NEHAWU suggests an 8% raise, citing the absence of benefits.

Adding to the discord, ICASA employees faced below-inflation wage hikes for three years, despite their revenue contributions.

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Adding to this conflict is the fact that ICASA’s staff faced low wage hikes below inflation for three years. Despite their continuous efforts to generate significant state revenue annually, their incomes remained stagnant.

NEHAWU’s discontent goes deeper due to what it sees as ICASA’s Council and Management abusing their authority, according to Thelele.

The union claims its leadership regularly ignores its policies, especially regarding employee well-being. This is noteworthy because while employees struggle financially, Council and Management enjoy handsome salaries and lavish allowances for overseas trips.

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UNION FEELS EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION GUIDELINES ARE IGNORED

Adding to the irony is ICASA’s role as a Chapter 9 institution, entrusted with upholding the rule of law. Thelele points out that the authority’s internal policies, which guide employee remuneration, are seemingly being ignored.

In response to the deadlock, NEHAWU has invoked Section 11 of its Recognition Agreement, leveraging its status as the primary and majority union. This move allows the union to seek resolution through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA).

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UNION HINTS AT A POSSIBLE SHUTDOWN

The situation remains tense, and if efforts to find common ground fail, NEHAWU has hinted at the possibility of a full-scale industrial action.

This development could lead to the complete shutdown of ICASA’s operations, a move that would undoubtedly have significant implications for the country’s communications landscape.

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As this critical situation unfolds, the public is urged to closely follow the developments as a potential shutdown of ICASA looms on the horizon. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the industry and its stakeholders, said Thelele.