SAMWU to oppose the City of Tshwane in the Labour Court on 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases
15 October 2024
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) notes and welcomes the decision by Honourable Acting Judge E. Molahlehi of the Labour Court. On 10 October 2024, Judge Molahlehi ruled that the City of Tshwane’s two review applications will be heard together on 28 November 2024.
This decision is a significant milestone for the Union and its members. Last month, the Labour Court scheduled the 2023 review application for November but did not set a date for the overdue 2021 case. In the interest of fairness and efficiency, SAMWU requested that these related cases be heard together, as they both address the City’s refusal to implement agreed salary increases for municipal workers.
To provide context: Municipal workers were due a 3.5% salary increase in 2021 and a 5.4% increase in 2023. Instead of implementing these increases, the City of Tshwane applied for exemptions for both years. When these exemptions were dismissed by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC), the City sought to review the decisions, further delaying workers’ increases.
SAMWU has consistently opposed these actions, which we believe are driven by political motives rather than financial necessity, particularly from the DA-led administration. DA leader John Steenhuisen has been at the forefront of this injustice to workers, even stating, “If you are unable to tell SAMWU that there is no money for salary increases, you will have nothing to inherit.” Essentially, municipal workers in the City of Tshwane were denied salary increases because the DA-led coalition wanted to control the city’s finances to the party’s interest as if it were a monarchy.
We once again urge the new political leadership in Tshwane to withdraw these review applications and engage in meaningful dialogue with SAMWU. It is time to implement the 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases immediately. Municipal workers, who have diligently served their communities, should not continue to suffer due to past political decisions.
The cost of living has risen sharply, and many of our members are now struggling with debt and poverty. These workers are not just numbers, they are individuals with families, facing daily hardships. If the new leadership truly cares about its employees’ welfare, it will prioritise their needs over political agendas.
SAMWU remains committed to defending its members and their interests. As such, the Union will assemble a strong legal team to oppose this review application and ensure justice workers. After years of hardship, there is finally hope. Municipal workers deserve the dignity of receiving what is rightfully theirs. Now is the time for Tshwane’s leadership to support their workers, not oppose them.
Issued by Papikie Mohale, National Media Officer, SAMWU, 15 October 2024
