Enquiries: LABOUR RELATIONS
Telephone: 021 467 2849
Fax: 021 425 8612
Reference: 16/8/4/1
20070903-0016

Wes-Kaap Onderwysdepartement
Western Cape Education Department
ISebe IeMfundo IeNtshona Koloni

MINUTE NO:  

DLR/0005/2007


TO:   

CHIEF DIRECTORS, DIRECTORS, CURRICULUM ADVISERS, CIRCUIT MANAGERS AND HEADS OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS



 

GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION FOR EDUCATORS WITHIN THE WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT


1. The Directorate: Labour Relations has noticed with concern that, according to the latest statistics on reported cases, the time frames in respect of the resolution of grievances are not being adhered to. It has therefore become necessary to reiterate clearly the Department's policy on the matter, and to direct the heads of institutions to make this policy known to all employees who deal with grievances.
2. Chapter H of the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM), as contained in the Employment of Educators Act, (Act 76 of 1998), makes provision for dissatisfied educators to lodge a grievance. Please also see Circular 0230 of 2003 for grievances lodged by public service staff.
3. In terms of these provisions, an employee may lodge a grievance with his or her supervisor, who must then meet with the grievant within three working days. The supervisor must then communicate the outcome of any actions or investigation that arose from the meeting to the grievant within five working days after such meeting was held.
4. While the Directorate: Labour Relations understands that it is often difficult to keep to these time frames, it must be stated that it is of the utmost importance that grievances are dealt with as soon as possible after they have been received. It is further of the utmost importance that a genuine and concerted effort be made to resolve such grievance.
5. Failure to deal with such grievances in the prescribed time frames, or to make a concerted effort to resolve the grievance, could result in the Western Cape Education Department having to pay costs at arbitration proceedings if it is found that the grievance could have been resolved prior to becoming a dispute.
6. All heads and supervisors are therefore requested to keep to the prescribed time frames and to try to resolve grievances as far as possible.
7. The contents of this minute must be brought to the attention of all personnel, who must sign an acknowledgement that they understand it. The record of this acknowledgement must be kept on file at the school for future reference.


SIGNED: E. KIRSTEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:10:01

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