DURBAN - The Public Servants Association (PSA) has raised concerns about the working conditions for staff at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Reuben Maleka, acting deputy manager for members’ affairs at the PSA, said as the union represented the majority of Ipid employees, the PSA was concerned about the deteriorating working conditions and other issues at the Ipid.
Maleka said the situation was impacting negatively on staff morale.
Some of the decisions being questioned by the union include the freezing of posts, implementation of a 24-hour toll-free number, and restructuring in Ipid without consultation.
“The Ipid grossly undermines collective bargaining and acts unlaterally and with impunity on matters affecting its employees. Staff morale is at a low point and the Ipid is losing competent employees owing to, amongst others, ill treatment, bullying and victimisation,” he said.
The PSA said it was apparent that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s slogan of thuma mina (send me) would remain a mere slogan while state institutions such as Ipid were being destroyed.
“The PSA will continue to protect the rights (of union members) at the Ipid and will escalate this looming crisis and state of disarray to the portfolio committee on police, for intervention,” said Maleka.
In response to the PSA, Lizzy Suping, the Ipid’s newly-appointed director of communications and marketing, said the office of the executive director had not received any formal letter of complaint from the alleged aggrieved employees.
“The executive director is always available to engage with staff members on issues of concern. Therefore, all employees who feel aggrieved are welcome to engage with the executive director of Ipid,” she said.