By Tendai Dhliwayo
A STANDOFF is looming between Gauteng's Welfare Department and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) over performance bonuses, with a strike threatened to take place on Tuesday.
The department is planning to offer performance-based rewards to its workers while the union wants all workers to get an equal amount.
An amount of R5 million has been set aside by the department to be used for the bonuses.
"The department has the money and we feel it should be fairly and equitably shared amongst workers," said Nehawu spokesperson, Moloantoa Molaba.
He added that work has already been done and there is no system in place to measure the performance of workers. Nehawu is now calling for a strike on Tuesday if no agreement is reached.
The R5 million available will be given out to workers according to their performance, said Welfare department spokesperson, Panyaza Lesufi.
"We cannot endorse a 'pass one pass all' performance reward to staff members. We are thus disturbed that the unions are denying genuine hard working staff to get their benefits," said MEC for Social Services and Population Development, Angie Motshekga.
"We hope sense will prevail and Nehawu will adhere to the spirit of the statement by President Thabo Mbeki for public servants to deliver quality social services to the poor as well as ensuring that those entitled to grants receive them timeously," added Motshekga.
If the strike proceeds, it is feared it could disturb the payment of social grants.
