Twenty-three Vodacom employees were suspended on Monday in a sequel to a month-long strike, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said.
The employees were a part of a strike in July and August, in which the CWU demanded recognition from Vodacom.
They were also arrested two weeks ago for going against an interdict preventing picketers from entering, interfering or obstructing access to Vodacom premises.
They were later released on bail, and were then suspended a week later.
CWU spokesperson Mfanafuthi Sithebe said: ”These loyal and disciplined members did not engage in any misconduct during the strike action, except to be told that they have crossed the agreed-upon picketing line.
”During the strike action our members were complaining about the behaviour of the Vodacom security personnel and the risk management services, but our complaints were not attended to by the intransigent and myopic management.”
Sithebe said Vodacom’s actions went against the spirit of an agreement reached with the union.
Both parties had agreed that at present, less than 15% of Vodacom employees belonged to the CWU, and the company needed 30% of their employees to belong to the union for it to be recognised.
Vodacom spokesperson Dot Field said that the company had a zero tolerance policy.
”A number of employees were suspended on full pay, while disciplinary hearings were concluded.”
She said the public prosecutor had issued a warrant of arrest for individuals who contravened the court order during the recent strike. – Sapa