THE PERCEPTIONS OF UNIONISED EMPLOYEES ON GRIEVANCE AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS AT A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Download This Article

Shadrack Themba Mzangwa ORCID logo, Stephens Mpedi Madue

https://doi.org/10.22495/jgr_v4_i2_p4

Abstract

This article examines the perceptions of unionised members on the handling of grievance and disciplinary matters against management of a higher education institution. Using a sample of thirty-four unionised members in one of the higher education institutions in South Africa, the study found that unionised members perceived the management of higher education institution as abusing its power against unionised employees. The management treats unionised employees negatively based on race and further denies unionised members an opportunity to engage freely on issues of labour. The other finding is that unionised members feel strongly to belong to the unions in spite of the union’s leadership’s lack of knowledge and poor representation of its members against the management of a higher education institution. The findings suggest that unionised members felt undermined and disregarded by management whilst they are not happy on how their own leadership handles the grievance and disciplinary matters.

Key Words: Trade Union, Unionisation, Higher Education Institution, Grievance Procedure, Disciplinary Procedure, Management

How to cite this paper: Mzangwa, S. T., & Madue, S. M. (2015). The perceptions of unionised employees on grievance and disciplinary matters at a higher education institution in South Africa. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 4(2), 41-48. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgr_v4_i2_p4