I was nominated and selected as a union representative of IMATU (Independent Municipal and Allied Union) soon after I started working at WCED and have been the chairperson of IMATU in Weskus Distrik for the last 7 years or so.
IMATU, outstanding professional service.
IMATU is a politically non-aligned registered trade union, providing outstanding professional service to our members. Our aim is to be recognized as the most progressive and effective trade union in the local government sector.
We believe in selfless commitment to our members in all aspects of their employment, recognising the dignity of the individual. Our commitment is to develop office bearers, shop stewards, staff and members, enabling them to realise their full potential in an environment of equal opportunity for all.
Some of the main functions of IMATU within the WCED are negotiations of workplace issues, attending to grievances and disputes, while creating a work environment that is conducive for growth.
My road.
I started my journey with WCED in June 2011 as an Admin Clerk. Entering a division with only ten females of 250 employees and being the only female in the office wasn’t always an easy road to travel. However, being part of an outstanding team was worth every detour. I started in the Health and Safety portfolio 2013 by shadowing the previous OHS officer, commencing with my Diploma in Safety Management (UNISA) in 2014. I was granted amazing opportunities within the Roads Division to equipping myself with the professional registration required of an OHS officer in construction.
Go To Dialogue.
Attending Weskus Distrik’s Go To Dialogue presented an opportunity to gain fresh insights regarding our municipality’s huge potential. I was invited to present to the public and private sector delegates on issues relating to current and future employees, including the youth. The opportunity to present and ask questions on behalf of our members provided a sense of the inclusivity associated with the Weskus brand, and a sense that anybody – irrespective of their job description – can be a part of Weskus Distrik’s future planning.
As Chairperson of IMATU, it is my ideal that all Weskus Distrik employees become Go To members, and Weskus takes its place as a Go To organization.
Jolene Spencer-Crow
Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator in the Roads Division.
Chairperson: IMATU (Weskus Distrik).
