Municipal Workers to embark on national protest action due to employer body's arrogance

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) will embark on a National protest action in a few weeks' time, over the South African Local Government Associations (SALGA) dubious actions. 

We have learnt with dismay that SALGA has filed leave to appeal the wage curve victory SAMWU has secured, even though SAMWU had won an outright victory to increase workers salary scales, this judgement which SALGA wants to appeal, was handed down by the Labour Court in Johannesburg. It brought to the fore blatant dishonesty displayed by SALGA officials when dealing with Municipal Workers.

This kind of behaviour by the Employer body is a waste of rate payer's money, as legal processes such as these cost millions of Rands. This is also tantamount to Union bashing and a complete disregard for the many men and women who serve in the Local Government sphere. It is clear that the employer body knows very well that it would not win this issue in court but seeks instead to delay the process unnecessarily, which could easily  lead to instability in the sector. It is also not unlikely that the current instability could quickly turn into a second Marikana tragedy.

Municipal Workers patience is wearing thin, as SALGA continues to display its arrogant contempt for workers. SALGA's arrogant behaviour was further displayed as it continued this year to give Municipal Managers and Councillors huge increases in salaries and allowances.  We are calling on the African National Congress (ANC) to intervene in this dispute and ensure SALGA which is ANC controlled, is reigned in and abides by the labour court judgement awarded in the workers favour.

The wage curve judgment referred to above will pave the way for a proper wage structure to exist in the Municipal sector, where jobs and associated salaries are properly graded. This will ensure that many workers who for years have been underpaid will now receive the correct payment. The effect of the agreement is that payment will be backdated to September 2009.

Statement issued by SAMWU General Secretary Walter Theledi, September 18 2012

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