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The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has noted a circular issued by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Deputy National Commissioner Human Resource Management, Lt. Gen. BC Mgwenya, dated 30th January 2020, which relates to the management of vacation leave for shift workers.

Amongst things that the circular raises are that the annual leave should be scheduled at the beginning of a leave cycle, in conjunction with the leave roster. Secondly, that when an employee applies for planned leave in advance, such leave must be taken into account in the scheduling of shifts, and thirdly, the employee must be removed from the shift on the roster for the duration of the period of absence. This means that the granted annual leave will be counted as working days, which shall mean from Monday to Friday.

We are totally opposed to this kind of arrangement by the employer, and we are of the firm view that this unnecessary move is a source for instability on the operations of the SAPS. This unnecessary move will certainly have a negative impact towards the terms and conditions of service of employees.

We are aware of the arbitration (PSCB569-18/19) that was lost by SAPU when it misrepresented members in this regard.

Further concern is that this circular was issued without any form of consultation. For this reason, we are convening an urgent bilateral meeting with the National Police Commissioner, and will, as well register this item in the special SSSBC meeting for final resolution.

Members will be updated with all the developments in this regard.

Issued by POPCRU