Last week saw Pikitup reach an agreement with SAMWU on the organisation’s terms in dealing with the suspensions of the workers, with Pikitup’s Spokesperson and GM: Communication and Stakeholder Management, Desiree Ntshingila confirming that the agreement has been signed.

According to a statement released by Pikitup on Wednesday 31 July 2013, the union, in a statement issued with permission by the workers, stated that the workers pleaded an admission of guilt and accepted various levels of warnings based on previous misdemeanours on file. “SAMWU leadership have requested that on the back of this agreement, Pikitup will allow the 1791 workers to return to work as of 31 July 2013.”

According to the statement by Pikitup, this agreement will conclude months of disputes and labour unrest, resulting from various operational requirements introduced by management to improve efficiencies and operations at Pikitup. At the centre of the labour unrests was the introduction of a biometric access control and time attendance system to reduce the abuse experienced with current manual system as well as mandatory drug and alcohol/substance abuse testing to support internal health and safety practices.

“As management we are happy that key stakeholders such as, our employees and the majority union, SAMWU have realised that we are all acting in the best interests of the organisation and that measures introduced are mechanisms aimed at making this a business we can all be proud of,” said Pikitup MD, Amanda Nair.

According to Ntshingila, with the return of suspended employees, operations across the city will normalise. “Bear in mind there are still backlog challenges in certain areas. The organisation is striving to get all operations back to normal by Monday if not sooner. Pikitup appreciates the patience and understanding of residents and business owners and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these disruptions.”