The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Broadcast, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) met with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 6 and 7 September regarding the broadcaster’s Turnaround Strategy.
A CWU statement reads: “Organised Labour rejected the SABC’s contention that there was any consultation whatsoever on the Turnaround Strategy at the SABC.
At the meeting held on the 7 September 2011 it was established and confirmed by the parties that no thorough consultation has taken place to date. The last time the parties met was on 4 May this year at Irene, where it was agreed that the SABC will schedule a workshop where its managers and leaders will present its Turnaround Strategy in detail to Organised Labour. It was furthermore agreed at that meeting that only after such workshop will Organised Labour be required to make submissions that will start the consultation process.
“We are perturbed that the SABC has misled the public and parliament by stating publicly that extensive consultation has taken place with Organised Labour in respect of the Turnaround Strategy. We are furthermore perturbed by the SABC making unfounded allegations to our members that we, as Organised Labour did not inform our members of such alleged consultations. We want to assure our members that we will at all times share with them and communicate whatever we are allowed to share and communicate in respect of the Turnaround Strategy which is not classified as confidential information by the SABC.
“The SABC started with detailed presentations on 7 September 2011, which will continue in due course after suitable dates have been agreed to.
“We are positive that the workshop to be held will put us properly and officially in the picture in respect of the Turnaround Strategy at the SABC and we will consult our members on the proposed structures and strategy the moment we are allowed to do so to solicit their input. We believe such workshop will speed-up and finalise the Turnaround Strategy to ensure a stable, viable and fully functional Public Broadcaster.’
