Mamodupi Mohlala disses Nehawu

National consumer commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala has denied claims by trade union Nehawu that her staff are unhappy.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union said it had received complaints from the commission's staff about poor working conditions.

But Mohlala said she had instituted a "climate survey" by an outside company which made a number of suggestions to better manage the workplace. She said the survey had shown that, overall, favourable working conditions existed at the commission, which enforces consumer protection laws.

The survey comprised interviews with all the commission's employees. Its objective was to understand the working environment, team dynamics and culture, and identify areas for improvement.

Nehawu's letter to Mohlala in June claimed that its members were forced to work long hours and on Saturdays, had insufficient work stations, had no performance contracts, had leave denied and were often bullied and were threatened by Mohlala.

But the survey disagreed. "Respondents rated the commission's new environment as highly favourable, stating that there is enough space, desks, telephones and computers in the new offices for all employees.

"People feel motivated to come to work because the environment is more relaxed and settled as opposed to the negative energy at the Department of Trade and Industry," it said.

The commission recently moved to new offices in Centurion, near Pretoria.

Mohlala said she was unhappy about the union's involvement in staff issues at the commission.

"I am aware that Nehawu has taken the matter to the bargaining council," she said. "I am going to write to the bargaining council about my unhappiness with Nehawu and attach the [survey's] findings."

Mohlala said that Nehawu membership among her staff of 97 did not meet the threshold of 50% required for bargaining purposes.

"I am not against the union, but it's a fact that it is not recognised because it does not have sufficient members."