MBABANE:Tfobile Dlamini-Gumede,the Director at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology(LUCT) has advised Lecturers who were intending to stage a protest within the premises of the institution of higher learning to follow the law.
Lecturers and other members of the National Workers Union in Swaziland Higher Institutions(NAWUSHI) wrote to Dlamini on Tuesday notifying her that they intended to protest and deliver a petition on Wednesday.
But in a letter dated 07 March 2023, the Limkokwing University Executive Director advised the Lecturers to adhere to the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act of 2000.
“You letter dated 7th March 2023 where you were informing the University of your decision to hold a picket and deliver a petition to my office tomorrow(Wednesday) the 8th March 2023 is well received.However, kindly note that your intended action is contravening Section 107 of the Industrial Relations Act 1/2000 which explicitly provides that any peaceful lawful picketing must be in furtherance of a strike which is in compliance with this Act”,reads the letter dated 07 March 2023 addressed to the National Workers Union in Swaziland Higher Institutions.
It has been disclosed that the Lecturers are demanding among others,the reinstatement of law Lecturer and NAWUSHI Branch Chairperson Gabsile Xolile Mnisi who was suspended by the Limkokwing Director.
The law Lecturer who normally represents persecuted workers within institutions of higher learning in her capacity as a unionist,was subsequently charged for alleged misconduct by the Limkokwing Executive Director.
“The union herein is aggrieved by the Management’s unlawful acts of victimizing union members and members of staff who have dissenting views.This has been carried out through contract non-renewals, reduced duration of contracts and frivolous and malicious charges,these acts together constitute a violation of article 3 of the Recognition agreement between the University and the union,”read the grievances in part.
Efforts to reach Limkokwing Director Tfobile Gumede proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
On another note,the union of Lecturers further warned the Limkokwing University Management to desist from victimizing the union members with immediate effect.
The union further demanded that the issue of contracts be addressed as a matter of urgency.
It is alleged that the Limkokwing Director is exploiting Lecturers, at times these Lecturers are forced to sign one year renewable contracts.
“Management is further warned to stop union bashing and intimidation of union leaders and members.Issue progressive contracts as per the University Policy, members on five years’ contracts be employed on a permanent and pensionable basis.Drop the malicious and frivolous charges against the LUCT Branch Chairperson,”read the grievances in part.
Limkokwing University(pic: LUCT).