NEHAWU opposes the suspension of Xolile George

CAPE TOWN - The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) in Parliament said that it is opposed to the suspension of Secretary Xolile George.

George came under fire recently after it emerged that he received a hefty salary increase of over a million rand in the span of 17 months.

NEHAWU’s Parliament branch has told the legislature to keep its 'hands off' George.

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Workers in Parliament said that despite the salary controversy, George has managed to stabilise the house and his suspension would affect work by the house.

NEHAWU the main union representing employees in Parliament has joined the debate into George’s salary increase which is currently under investigation.

The union said that the increase was decided by presiding officers and not George.

Branch Chairperson Sthembiso Tembe said that the union will oppose his suspension.

"We recently heard there’s an imminent move to suspend George before the elections. We are against that as workers as NEHAWU because we don’t know what could inform a decision to suspend him. Surely it can’t be issue of salary because the executive authority still needs to explain."

Tembe said that Parliament will need to explain in detail the issues around the salary increase.

NEHAWU also called for the ANC’s parliamentary caucus to engage labour before making any decisions before the elections.