Chamber clarifies CCMA outcomes

Dear members,

Many of you may have seen the recent article in the Weekend Argus regarding the outcome of the CCMA hearing between the Chamber and Dr Ruben Richards.

As the Board we are of the view that this article misrepresents the true facts. We would like to ensure that you receive a first-hand and accurate account of the outcome.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce is pleased that the matter with Ruben Richards has been settled on Friday, 27 February 2015.

To clarify some of the inaccurate information reported:

1.
Richards did request to be re-instated – hence his application to the CCMA.
However, in the face of the strong case against Richards during the CCMA proceedings, a settlement was reached. Richards requested that he be allowed to resign, effective as of the end of his probationary period, 4 January 2015. This was agreed to rather than have his employment not being made permanent due to him not being a fit for the Chamber.

2.
Further to the CCMA settlement agreement, the written warning given to Ruben Richards on 21 October 2014 is to be withdrawn as if it was not issued.

3.
The final agreement as per the CCMA settlement of the amount to be paid to Ruben Richards is identical to the amount that  the Chamber stipulated initially in its notification to him on 29th October 2014, in that he would be paid until the end of
his probationary period. No additional settlement amounts are to be paid.

4.
At no point did the CCMA rule that Ruben Richards should be re-instated.

We are pleased to report that the day-to-day business of the Chamber has not been affected by these proceeding.

As you are aware, we currently have an acting CEO, Charles Scheltema, and we are in the process of recruiting a replacement CEO. Should you require any further clarity to the above, feel free to contact the Chamber President or acting CEO.

Full Article: Cape Chamber of Commerce » Chamber Releases – Chamber clarifies CCMA outcomes – Dean

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