Vodacom’s impasse with union
Vodacom is still experiencing teething problems with one of the smaller worker representative bodies called CWU.
Vodacom standing firm
According to Dot Field, Chief Communications Officer of the Vodacom Group:
“Vodacom has recognised the CWU since 1999 and have granted them certain organisational rights despite insufficient representation. Additionally, Vodacom has also had ongoing discussions with them to grant them further rights, despite insufficient representation.
Their current representation is approximately 10% of the Vodacom workforce. The CWU’s demand is that Vodacom grants them rights as though they represented the majority of employees in our company. We will not do so since 90% of our employees do not want us to do so."
At no stage have they ever indicated to us unhappiness with the working conditions of Vodacom employees. On the contrary they have indicated to Vodacom that these working conditions are amongst the finest in the country.
This impasse with the union is about the union’s credibility and financial prosperity as opposed to the working conditions of Vodacom employees.
We continue to respect the rights of the Union as well as our employees. Our credibility as a loyal and dedicated South African company requires no further emphasis.”
Vodacom appears to be taking a no-nonsense position with CWU and seem to be supported in this stance by their employees.