Workers opt to leave as NDB restructures

MBONGENI MGUNI
Staff Writer | Friday November 9, 2012 00:00

 

The latest departures bring to 23 the total number of workers to have left the statutory bank since it kicked-in a new structure at the beginning of September. Out of this figure, 14 workers, including two executives were retrenched, while 34 had been asked to consider demotion or the exit door.Workers previously told Business Week that the 34 would be given a percentage of the package agreed with those retrenched. They have to accept pay cuts of up to P8,000 per month.

It is understood the latest departures are from the group of 34 and some long-serving staffers who chose to take up the exit package.Documents given to the Business Week indicate that of the 160 letters issued to staff late in August advising recipients of their fates in the new structure, the NDB's Appeals Committee is considering only four cases.

'It is worth noting that several issues were raised through the help desk and most of these were dealt with and as a result, the Appeals Committee will consider only four appeals out of the 160 letter issued,' said CEO, Lorato Morapedi in a staff bulletin.Interviewed workers alleged the appeals procedure had been flawed and charged that complaints around the restructuring had been ignored.

'There were numerous appeals, but management insisted that the process was ongoing and these would thus pre-empt it,' said one worker.'That's why only four have found their way into the committee.'The restructuring of the 49-year-old organisation has left a sour taste in some workers' mouths with allegations of bias and favouritism in the manner in which staffers were earmarked for retrenchment, demotion and promotion.

It is understood the NDB and its staff had agreed on a best-fit policy for the restructuring, which would also consider proximity to retirement age. The principles underpinning an individual's future at the bank would be experience, qualifications and performance.

A document circulating among workers question the fairness of the restructuring process and alleges that the original consultants were later replaced by new ones.'Why is there so much secrecy around how the bank determined each employee's best fit,' reads the document circulating among workers.

'Remember it is the staff who lamented that they have not been correctly placed. Has that been achieved now? How do I know with certainty as a staff member that indeed I have been rightfully placed?'NDB management was unavailable for comment on the latest developments and has not responded to questions sent two months ago on the restructuring process.

The NDB Employees Union chairman, Olebogeng Gilbert Watshipi, said the union was still in discussions with management and would thus not entertain media enquiries. 'However, staff morale is low and that is of concern to us as a union. We are also concerned that our issues are not being addressed but we are still in discussions with management. We may release a media statement in due course when our discussions are concluded.'

Watshipi has reportedly written to union members warning against media leaks.The NDB is being restructured as part of activities towards its commercialisation and subsequent privatisation. While the shake-up has resulted in job losses, it will eventually lead to a larger workforce at approximately 180 employees.The bank has already begun an external recruitment exercise.