Union alleges spy tactics by Vodacom

Johannesburg, 22 Mar 2007

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) claims cellular operator Vodacom used "big brother" tactics to dismiss a union member.

In a statement, the union says the cellular company dismissed Portia Sithole after monitoring "her location using her mobile telephone".

The union's claims come as workers prepare to down tools and strike. The Labour Court last week requested additional time to rule on whether the strike should be allowed to go ahead.

The CWU initially told the cellular company it would strike on 12 March. Vodacom then successfully applied for an interdict to prevent the strike. The court is expected to rule on the matter on 16 April.

The union alleges Vodacom dismissed Sithole after she took sick leave, but then attended a union meeting. "There was no case against Portia," says Aubrey Tshabalala, a CWU office bearer who works at Vodacom. "I don't understand why we are wasting company resources on these punitive measures," he adds. Tshabalala also faces disciplinary action.

In a statement, the union alleges Sithole was dismissed after her cellphone was monitored to reveal her location. "The company offers employees a phone as a company benefit," says Sithole. "Now they are using it as a tracking device to see where one goes and when. I think it is a total invasion of privacy," she adds.

Vodacom did not respond to the union's allegations, but reiterated the company follows SA's laws with regard to employees' rights.

Lungi Ndlovu, executive director of human resources, says the company subscribes to the principle of freedom of association and, therefore, any member of staff may freely join a union should they wish to do so.