South Africa: Sun International – Stop Union Bashing!
The UNI Africa Conference, convened in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 16th to 18th of September 2013 and attended by UNI Affiliates from all corners of the African Continent, received a report on the current hostility of Sun International South Africa (SISA) towards SACCAWU, UNIs Affiliate operating from South Africa.
The Conference noted with disgust that workers in SISA are exposed to serious acts of harassment, intimidation and victimisation by management, using all kinds of excuses and disguises to justify this union-bashing. The onslaught on workers, Shopstewards and the Union, is in retaliation to workers and their leadership observing and commemorating the internationally recognised Workers Day, challenging racist practices in the Company as well as protesting against racist conduct perpetuated by the Gupta Family in their recent wedding at Sun City, which was condoned by the Company. The onslaught by the company has thus far resulted in at least fourteen dismissals of Shopstewards, amongst them 2 Fulltime Shopstewards and members of the Negotiations Team. Conference is also angered by the fact that a further sizeable number of Shopstewards, this time including the Deputy National Chairperson of the National Shopstewards Council, are to face disciplinary processes; in a clear indication of Sun International’s subtle but committed efforts of union-bashing.
Conference therefore demands:
· that the Company immediately ceases the hostility against SACCAWU, her members and Shopstewards and thus engage with SACCAWU in bona fide and legitimate process aimed at addressing the deteriorating relationship and provide solutions to what has become a poisoned, hostile and conflict-infested relationship.
· unconditional reinstatement of Shopstewards and other members dismissed in the recent onslaught by SISA and withdrawal of all pending charges arising from the issues raised above, against all Shopstewards and workers.
Conference further calls upon Sun International South Africa Management, through the leadership of the CEO as well as the Board, to prevail upon management within its various Hotels in South Africa and ensure that the unprovoked hostilities against SACCAWU her members and Shopstewards are ceased forthwith.
Failure by the company to heed our call and comply with the above will leave UNI Africa and UNI Global Union with no other option but to launch a Continental and Global campaigns against Sun International.
Conference however hopes that the Company would take logical steps to avert the above.
UNI Gaming Global Union calls all its affiliates to support SACCAWU colleagues and send their letters of protest to the company:
Graham Stephens (SISA CEO)
Graeme.stephens@za.suninternational.com
Kele Mazwai - (SISA Group HR Director)
kele.mazwai@za.suninternational.com
Khaya Ngubane - (Sun City HR Manager)
khaya.ngubane@za.suninternational.com