Correctional Service Minister issue a warning

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 August 2009

Minister of Correctional Services Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula has issued a stern warning to officials to officials who embarked on an illegal strike earlier this week.

Mapisa Nqakula said the behavior will not be tolerated.

Earlier this week, officials embarked on a go slow demanding the implementation of Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) as well as raising concerns about staff shortages and security.

On Wednesday and Thursday, 95 percent of the 1 558 staff members resumed their duties.

However, 80 officials are still refusing to return to work at the Awaiting Trial Detention Centre. They have been served with letters of intention to suspend them.

The minister said that in terms of the Labour Relations Act and the agreements of the bargaining council, any form of industrial action was prohibited in an essential service and security institution such as Correctional Services.

The Department of Correctional Services further said there was no justification for the illegal industrial action as it was committed to implementing the OSD.

The department has also paid a 1 percent progression in August 2009 to deserving officials, it has given the commitment to pay the OSD adjusted salaries on 30 August 2009 and the implementation of the second phase of the OSD will commence in April next year.

Members of the South African Police Service were also deployed to the centre to ensure the safety of the public