Numsa is appealing against the labor court’s ruling on BMW employees

At least 500 workers at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria are being sacked after downing tools amid allegations of medical aid fraud at the company.

The labor court previously rejected a request to stop the dismissal.

Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the union will fight for workers’ reinstatement.

“Despite BMW’s unreasonable and persistent refusal to provide Numsa with the most basic information to enable Numsa to protest on behalf of the affected employees, BMW has provided all required information in the legal proceedings opposing the urgent application of Numsa.

“In doing so, BMW effectively admitted not only that its conduct was grossly unfair, but also that Numsa was fully justified in approaching the Labor Court for urgent relief. The Employment Tribunal seemingly missed this reality and, rather unthinkably, proceeded to dismiss NUMSA’s application with costs. .”

Hlubi-Majola said the union’s efforts to defend its members and demand fairness and due process do not amount to condoning criminal behavior.

“Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty and this is a basic principle of law that applies in all circumstances, including cases of alleged misconduct in the workplace. It is the job of trade unions to defend workers and ensure that their rights are not affected. violated.

“Numsa’s lawsuit had a positive outcome in that BMW was forced to provide vital information that will enable the company to defend the affected members in the ongoing disciplinary proceedings. The judgment of the Labor Court cannot go unchallenged because it contains fundamental errors, and it sets a most unfortunate precedent, giving employers a free hand to act in the most procedurally unfair manner imaginable.”

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