Since linking subscription cheque deposits to Numsa’s computerised membership system (MEMS), there has been an improvement in the collection of union subscriptions, says Numsa membership coordinator Nishan Gunawardhana .
But efforts are still continuing to track down those companies that have not paid Numsa.
Every company should have its own unique reference number. It must use this number when it pays Numsa electronically or when it posts a cheque. If it does not have a number, then it should phone Numsa immediately and get one. (see box for details of who to phone)
“Paying Numsa without using the company number reference is like paying Telkom without telling Telkom your telephone or account number,” says Gunawardhana.
The other problem that gives headaches to membership administrators is incomplete schedules. Sometimes there is no schedule of members at all, in other schedules there is no breakdown of which member is paying what nor of which workplace he is at (sometimes an employer pays in one cheque for more than one workplace.)
By not completing this information, employers are breaking the law. And the consequences of this for employers is that, “if an employer is behind in his payments, Numsa will not be held responsible for the payment of benefits to a member. Instead the employer will have to pay!”
Gunawardhana warns employers that “any company that has not made a payment, remains ‘outstanding’ in the computer system until payment is made.”
Ask your shop steward to demand to see a copy of your employer’s monthly payment, including the schedule to Numsa. Even though the company will have to pay your benefits if they have defaulted, there will be a long legal battle to fight for this.
Better to ensure your company is paying right, on time (by the 15 th of the month following the deductions), every time!
Phone one of these membership administrators on 011-689 1700:
KwaZulu Natal
Jennet Jonga
Western Transvaal
Jennet Jonga
Ekurhuleni
Lindiwe Zondo
Northern Cape/Free State
Lindiwe Zondo
Wits Central West
Joyce Keagana
Western Cape
Melanie Roy
Mpumalanga
Melanie Roy
Eastern Cape
Lucy Gebashe
Hlanganani
Thembi Hlophe