PSA members picketing earlier this week. Image: Facebook/PSA
Union pushes for ‘work from home’ policy during electricity crisis
Allowing public servants to work virtually would reduce electricity consumption and ease traffic for essential workers, argued the union.
PSA members picketing earlier this week. Image: Facebook/PSA
The Public Service Association (PSA) is calling for the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to ease the burden on public service workers and implement changes that would reduce electricity consumption.
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IMPACT OF LOAD SHEDDING ON WORKERS
The union said public servants often arrive late for work and home due to load shedding like many other workers in South Africa.
“Many have no alternative means to prepare food or run household activities, which further impact on parenting and the schooling of their children.
“Many workplaces in the public service, including schools, police stations, the Department of Home Affairs, and health facilities, are also severely affected by the load shedding, despite the duty of rendering direct public services. Most often there are no alternative energy solution,” said the union.
UNION WANTS WORK FROM HOME SYSTEM
The PSA said the department must contribute to alleviating the burden on the electricity grid with “immediate solutions.”
The solutions include allowing workers to work from home, virtually, if they are in a position to do so and a staff rotation system until the electricity crisis is over.
“These measures will also assist in workplaces reducing electricity consumption and ease traffic flow to allow essential workers to arrive at work on time.
“It was proven during the COVID-19 lockdown that virtual work is effective and also contributes to cost saving for public service departments,” said the union.
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