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Trade union Solidarity today defended the legal action it is taking against the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding its new ranking system saying the case is “pivotal in the ongoing fight against unfair discrimination”. This comes after National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega once again was quoted in the media as saying that Solidarity’s Labour Court Case was to blame for delaying the promotion of more than 1 611 police officers.

National Police Commissioner Phiyega this week announced that 14 000 constables and sergeants have been promoted, 7 000 of them with effect from October this year. A further 7 000 constables and sergeants will be promoted in the next financial year. Phiyega, however, said Solidarity’s Labour Court case was to blame for the freezing of 1 611 promotional postsin the major and lieutenant ranks.

According to Solidarity Deputy General Secretary Johan Kruger, Solidarity is doing battle with the SAPS on the grounds of its application of employment equity. “The SAPS uses the racial demography of the Economically Active Population (EAP) as measurement in determining its employment equity targets, and in appointing and promoting police officers as part of the new ranking system. However, the SAPS’ application of the national racial demography is inconsistent and irrational. Solidarity believes in a fair and transparent process and we will not hesitate to fight for the constitutional rights of our members,” Kruger said.

Solidarity declared a dispute with the SAPS in 2011 after members of minority groups had been unfairly discriminated against with respect to appointments on the level of lieutenant, captain and major. Solidarity has received leave to appeal against an earlier Labour Court judgment in terms of which the SAPS may proceed with the ranking system in its current form. Solidarity’s application will soon be heard in the Labour Appeal Court.

Issued by Solidarity