Union advises transferring workers to work hard

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Thursday March 4, 2010 00:00

 

City council workers moving to the Ministry of Health have been warned not to expect kid glove treatment in their new department, but to be diligent in their duties.

The national organising secretary of the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union (NALCGPWU), Johnson Motshwarakgole was briefing the workers on recent developments concerning the transfers at the city council hall on Tuesday afternoon. The move is expected to be effective as from 1 April.

He said most of the workers just expect to be treated like kindergarten kids even though they are adults who are supposed to be responsible. 'You are moving to a new Ministry and I know most of you are excited about it, but you should not expect to be treated anyhow special where you are moving. They will be expecting you to work hard and show some responsibility,' said Motshwarakgole.

Motshwarakgole said they are working around the clock to make sure that everything is in place when the workers move to government next month. He said while they have met with the permanent secretaries of the concerned Ministries, Local Government and Health they will have another meeting on the issue before giving the workers feedback.

He however lambasted workers who lack trust in the union by joining other 'unnecessary' unions that make unfulfilled promises such as cell phone benefits.  He accused such groups of wrongly advising workers to act in ways that compromise the work of the union in striving for the welfare of workers.  'I hear they promised you loans, cell phones and free airtime. Where are those now? These people are misleading you,' he said.

Motshwarakgole also called on the workers to be responsible in the manner in which they manage their finances as most of them accrue debts that leave them empty handed even at month-end.

Voicing their concern, the workers complained about lack of consultation from the union leaders. They said the leaders have a tendency of keeping information from them after consulting with the ministries and then expect them to act as if they know what is going on. They said they do not want to be treated like parcels that are just moved from one place to another not knowing why and how they are moved.

One worker wanted to know if they are going to proceed on their current employment period or they will start as new employees under the Health Ministry, considering that they are close to qualifying for their gratuities. They also wanted to know if they would be moving with the same salary bands, as there are differences between the council and government bands for the same posts.

Another union leader Elsinah Botsalano urged the workers to work together towards the same interest if they want to progress and be taken seriously. She said jealousy in the workplace is one thing that stalls their progress and they have to eliminate it as they move to their new ministry. The workers were however delighted about the movement saying they are expecting improvements in their work conditions under the new ministry and are looking forward to the new challenges that will come with the new environment. The meeting brought together auxiliary staff from the council clinics around the city including drivers, cleaners and gardeners who will all be moved to the Ministry of Health.