INDUSTRIAL ACTION FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SECTOR
(UPDATE 6 JUNE 2009 - a "high" level meeting took place between SAFCEC and the Unions this morning, facilitated by the CCMA. After extensive discussions, the parties agreed to continue with full negotiations. The negotiation teams will therefore meet on Monday morning at 09h00 at the SAFCEC offices. This round of negotiations will again be facilitated by the CCMA.)
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The civil engineering industry, represented by SAFCEC (the South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors) has been in wage negotiations with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Building Construction and Allied Workers Union (BCAWU).
The negotiations have reached a deadlock situation with the parties failing to agree on a range of factors relating to terms and conditions of employment encapsulated in a sectoral determination. As a result, the two unions have issued notices to commence with industrial action on the 8th of July 2009.
It is expected that workers may down tools at all 2010 stadium sites, the King Shaka Airport, Gautrain and various port operations. The actions should theoretically not spill over into the conventional building sector but members are requested to advise the Association immediately should they become aware of any activity in this regard.
These negotiations are set against a broader backdrop which sees the same trade unions wanting the civil engineering determination to be extended to the building industry. Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is firmly opposed to such a move as it believes that such a blanket extension would be unduly disruptive and the two sectors are too far apart to comfortably be lumped under one determination. The Association is however supportive of a custom-made determination for the building industry that would set minimum standards for employment conditions and employee benefits.
Brandon Abdinor | Executive Director
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