Sabc unions file dispute

Johannesburg - Two unions representing workers at the SABC have filed a dispute with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after the national broadcaster rejected their pay demands.

The Communication Workers' Union (CWU) and the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers' Union (Bemawu) said on Wednesday they wanted a 10% pay rise across the board.

Their members in the employ of the broadcaster also sought a R1 500 allowance for housing, R300 for subsistence and travelling and R55 for meals.

"Management displayed gross arrogance and intransigence in a dispute meeting held at Auckland Park yesterday [Tuesday], by telling unions to proceed to the CCMA since they are firm on their offer," they said.

"Members of both unions are united on these issues of common interest, and have mandated their organisations to push their demands through, which is unprecedented in the history of SABC."

The unions claimed Sabc management was offering only a 7.44% salary increase, with no "movement on other conditions of employment".

The Sabc could not immediately comment on the dispute.

The unions also claimed that executive managers and management had paid themselves "lucrative bonuses".

"Increases of over 40% to some executives were effected last financial year when the company was bleeding financially," they said.