It’s all about TEAMWORK!
Well, you have certainly heard me talk about my team and teamwork. Well, this week we have gone through another learning curve at St Francis Links. We have reached an impasse in negotiations with the union representing our staff who work on the estate, the course, in the clubhouse and in the outside golf operation. Many issues were resolved; however wage increases were not. Unfortunately, our exceptional team of workers – all who contribute to the success and quality you all enjoy when here, have chosen to STRIKE. As I write this, I am between setting up carts for the day, later, washing them with Ryan and helping in the Clubhouse. All the time, I am hoping our representatives will meet again, sooner rather than later, and resolve the issues.
On Sunday, I experienced another form of teamwork – an amazing spirit that came from the non-striking management team, volunteers and friends. Yesterday we served 80 golfers, numerous guests for breakfast and lunch, 2 groups who travelled in from Cape Town (calling themselves the Squirrels), another organised by member, John Hanley, a wedding for 90, staff meals that started with porridge at 06h30 and ended with curry midway through bar service. When it was all over, we cleaned and mopped and scrubbed it all down. Andre, his assistants, Kev and Jarryd, along with mechanics Thinus and Louis mowed and set up the course. Ryan, Justin and I prepped, pulled and set-up the carts. Then Andre joined Justin on top meeting the guests and loading the bags. Melissa from golf worked the bar for the morning while Liezl, Madri and the girls set-up the wedding tables. Chef Brad and No. 2 Angie received extra help from Tourism Manager and former Dunes Country lodge Chef, Warren, as well as the wedding dessert specialist, Ralph from the Pastry works; Trainee Ryno took on halfway with Eugenie. Rinus drove all night from Cape Town to cover security with Finance Manager, Andrew. To make a very long story shorter, most of us pulled a very long, successful and gratifying day as a team.
The golf course guys assisted in halfway bussing tables, then in the bar working the groups and the wedding. We all served, cleaned and kept smiling. At one point, the bar was over-crowded with helpers.
The union says 7% is too little – we say 20% is too high. I don’t want my temporary team to work 16 hour days to keep our flag flying. I want our staff back with dignity and camaraderie restored. I want to forget that someone unplugged the cart chargers with the hope that play would be disrupted.
I thank the locals who have volunteered to help – from the bakery, Angela from Due West, Heather at the Bay Club, the members who have emailed and called and of course, our domestic staff and friends who have jumped in. It’s Day 2 and I want this to be over.
I know it is a ‘process’ and the entire country seems to think that striking is the means to a better future… Why can’t people just talk to each other? The day before the strike, most of the employees involved didn’t even know it (the strike) was on or that they would not get paid – no work, no pay. Today it is a public holiday – it would have meant double pay, the wedding would have meant staff tips…
It is cold – 12 degrees; it is windy – 50kms; it is raining – sideways.
My Mother-in Law always says, “This too, shall Pass”.
Footnote: It is Thursday morning, Day 5 and it hasn't been roses...no progress. We carry on with our special team, some extras and members who have helped out. Yesterday, when our 80 golfers arrived (some for the Mrs. PE fundraiser, some from the Bay course as they are closed for hollowtining and of course, our members. The entire course had been prepped, mowed and ready. Last night, the same team who came in at 5am to prep the course were tending bar. Our conference guests arrive today and we are ready to knock their socks off. The weather outside is now perfect. We will simply carry on.
PS. By the time I got there with the soothing… they had already had 3 little tips of sherry; they were completely ‘blown’ away and decided nine holes were enough – so I gave them a voucher to come again!
…In other News!!!
There is no other news…
Regards,
Jeff
On Sunday, I experienced another form of teamwork – an amazing spirit that came from the non-striking management team, volunteers and friends. Yesterday we served 80 golfers, numerous guests for breakfast and lunch, 2 groups who travelled in from Cape Town (calling themselves the Squirrels), another organised by member, John Hanley, a wedding for 90, staff meals that started with porridge at 06h30 and ended with curry midway through bar service. When it was all over, we cleaned and mopped and scrubbed it all down. Andre, his assistants, Kev and Jarryd, along with mechanics Thinus and Louis mowed and set up the course. Ryan, Justin and I prepped, pulled and set-up the carts. Then Andre joined Justin on top meeting the guests and loading the bags. Melissa from golf worked the bar for the morning while Liezl, Madri and the girls set-up the wedding tables. Chef Brad and No. 2 Angie received extra help from Tourism Manager and former Dunes Country lodge Chef, Warren, as well as the wedding dessert specialist, Ralph from the Pastry works; Trainee Ryno took on halfway with Eugenie. Rinus drove all night from Cape Town to cover security with Finance Manager, Andrew. To make a very long story shorter, most of us pulled a very long, successful and gratifying day as a team.
The golf course guys assisted in halfway bussing tables, then in the bar working the groups and the wedding. We all served, cleaned and kept smiling. At one point, the bar was over-crowded with helpers.
 Chefs Angie, Liezl and Brad |
 Greenskeepers – Serving Coffee |
 Kitchen Team |
 Andrew, Financial Mgr Keeps it in Balance |
 Candice from Accounts helps AYay |
 Chris-Mari, Golf Coordinator and Waitron |
 The Top Mop |
 Group Effort |
The union says 7% is too little – we say 20% is too high. I don’t want my temporary team to work 16 hour days to keep our flag flying. I want our staff back with dignity and camaraderie restored. I want to forget that someone unplugged the cart chargers with the hope that play would be disrupted.
I thank the locals who have volunteered to help – from the bakery, Angela from Due West, Heather at the Bay Club, the members who have emailed and called and of course, our domestic staff and friends who have jumped in. It’s Day 2 and I want this to be over.
I know it is a ‘process’ and the entire country seems to think that striking is the means to a better future… Why can’t people just talk to each other? The day before the strike, most of the employees involved didn’t even know it (the strike) was on or that they would not get paid – no work, no pay. Today it is a public holiday – it would have meant double pay, the wedding would have meant staff tips…
It is cold – 12 degrees; it is windy – 50kms; it is raining – sideways.
 |
 |
My Mother-in Law always says, “This too, shall Pass”.
Footnote: It is Thursday morning, Day 5 and it hasn't been roses...no progress. We carry on with our special team, some extras and members who have helped out. Yesterday, when our 80 golfers arrived (some for the Mrs. PE fundraiser, some from the Bay course as they are closed for hollowtining and of course, our members. The entire course had been prepped, mowed and ready. Last night, the same team who came in at 5am to prep the course were tending bar. Our conference guests arrive today and we are ready to knock their socks off. The weather outside is now perfect. We will simply carry on.
| While the striking employees are braving the elements, four good souls are braving them as well by playing our famous Links. They played Humewood yesterday and had to have a go at greatness here today! Off they went, into the wind at one. We gave them towels for the carts, as usual when rain is possible, their names were on the lockers and carts; they received the customary course introduction talk and words of encouragement… and they were off. By now they should be receiving the hot coffee and OBS (Old Brown Sherry) and are probably frozen to the bone. Yet, they seemed hell bent on playing this little jewel regardless of the weather. I’ll be there with a warm drink and soothing words when they finish. |  |
PS. By the time I got there with the soothing… they had already had 3 little tips of sherry; they were completely ‘blown’ away and decided nine holes were enough – so I gave them a voucher to come again!
…In other News!!!
There is no other news…
Regards,
Jeff
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