Photo by: Reuters
Trade union Solidarity’s three-year dispute with defence company Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) over the interpretation of a recognition agreement between the two entities has come to an end after the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) ruled in the union’s favour.
Solidarity, which represents about 300 members at RDM, declared a dispute with the company in 2011, saying that, in terms of the agreement signed in 2010, the union was permitted to represent members in job levels P4 to P7.
However, RDM’s management argued that levels P4 to P7 were top management levels and, therefore, restricted Solidarity’s bargaining power to job levels P8 to P10.
Levels P4 to P7 fell outside the bargaining unit and, as a result, Solidarity’s bargaining power was weakened.
Solidarity sector coordinator Jack Loggenberg said the CCMA had restored bargaining power at the company with this ruling.
“Finally, after a three-year battle, we can represent our members in negotiations for better salaries and conditions of employment again, as the arbitration award stipulates that job levels P4 to P7 are included in the bargaining unit. Solidarity was unable to negotiate collectively on its members’ behalf for three years. We relied particularly on our members’ loyalty and faith in us during this period,” he said.
He added that, while the trade union was looking forward to partnering with the new RDM management and building a positive relationship, Solidarity would work to ensure financial losses suffered by its members were recovered.