The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) on Wednesday alleged that 18 workers at TCE Engineering based in Benoni faced disciplinary hearings and possible dismissal after they complained about dogs being set on fellow workers.
The trade union claimed that workers are constantly intimidated by ten dogs in the vicinity of the working stations, canteens and office of the director.
“Last month, a worker was rushed to hospital after he was bitten by two dogs. The attack was carried out with the full knowledge of the director of the company.”
Numsa added that the worker has opened a criminal case of assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm against the company.
However, TCE Engineering owner and manager Tony Jones said that allegations that the workers face possible dismal after complaining about the behaviour of the dogs was “absolute rubbish”.
Jones said his lawyers were currently dealing with the matter and accused the union of holding six illegal strikes.
“We have set meetings with the union a number of times to deal with these issues but union representatives never pitch. We have also asked the union to be present at the disciplinary hearings and again they never show up,” Jones added.
The trade union said in a statement that early last year five workers who complained about similar incidents of dogs attacks were dismissed.
It has given the company an ultimatum to refrain from what it calls “the racist conduct of harassment and intimidation” or face legal action.
Numsa further alleged that throughout the history of the company promotion has been based on race and not on merit.
“The company has not even attempted to implement the Employment Equity Act and is dismally refusing to negotiate with the union about equity plans. There is no progress towards fair representation of members of designated groups. We submit, as a union, that the company is implementing unfair discrimination against the members of other groups and consistently violates the purpose of the Equity Act.” – I-Net Bridge