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Bloemfontein - Striking workers at the privately run Mangaung prison were dismissed on Wednesday.
“Despite all attempts to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution, 331 G4S employees have had their employment contracts terminated,” G4S Africa spokesperson Kirsten van der Nest confirmed.
She said the dismissed employees would have their final salaries paid on 30 September.
“They have until that date to return their official uniforms and equipment.”
Van der Nest said the company had been negotiating with the members of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) on matters relating to salaries since November 2012.
Negotiations reached a deadlock in March 2013.
She said as a result of the deadlock, Popcru referred the dispute to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for arbitration.
Van der Nest said the CCMA issued their award on Wednesday, which found that proposals tabled by G4S were fair and reasonable.
Since the strike action started at the maximum security facility, on September 11, robust contingency measures were in place.
“We are working closely with our client the Department of Correctional Services to ensure safe operations at the centre until new employees are recruited, trained and inducted,” Van der Nest said on Wednesday night.
The company said no inmates had been disadvantaged as a result of the illegal industrial action and were receiving their meals, medication and exercises.
