REPORT: Stormers are facing 'staff strike'
REACTION: The Stormers will regather on Monday, after their weekend bye, to the headlines that there is a staff strike looming at their headquarters.
Afrikaans weekly Rapport newspaper reported that staff are threatening to strike because they have not received salary increases.
According to the report, the trade union Sports Employees Unite was given permission by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to proceed with a protected strike.
Details of the grievances remain sketchy, but it centres around a dispute declared in January.
Staff are, reportedly, upset that there is money for “functions and expensive meals”, but not for salary increases.
Zelt Marais, President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, confirmed that there are ongoing ‘discussions’, but declined to reveal any details.
“WP Rugby (Pty) Ltd and WPRFU are in confidential discussions with SEU,” he told @rugby365com, when asked about the talks with the trade union.
“SEU did, however, sensitize WPRFU that one of the employees is sadly discussing confidential staff matters with the media.”
Marais declined to confirm or deny that the ‘discussions’ centre around salary negotiations.
“It would be irresponsible to comment on staff matters,” he said.
“The economy has shrunk at a rapid pace over the last three years, and the board has a responsibility to manage the business accordingly.”
The Stormers, who slipped from first to fifth place during their bye weekend, face the table-topping Sharks in Durban on Saturday – before a trip to Buenos Aires, where they will take on Jaguares.
Sharks are on 20 points after six rounds – followed by the Chiefs (18, five matches), Brumbies (18, five), Crusaders (18, five) and Stormers (17, five).
@king365ed
@rugby365com
Related articles
VIDEO: Jaguares thug’s vicious stamp on head
Decaying Lions call up reinforcements
Havili undergoes surgery
Sharks outplay Jaguares to go top
‘Come back Israel Folau … all is forgiven’
