The newly-elected regional committee of the SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) in Tshwane is gearing up for a fierce battle with the City of Tshwane.
At the forefront of their fight is the demand for the municipality to honour the historical wage agreement, which includes salary increases of 3.5% and 5.4% from 2021 and 2023.
Regional Samwu secretary Donald Monakisi said the committee will stop at nothing to ensure that municipal workers receive fair compensation for their work.
The union has been facing numerous challenges, including a labour dispute that disrupted Tshwane Bus Services operations in November.
One of the most pressing issues on the committee's agenda would be the “unlawful dismissal” of 45 municipal workers, who were accused of serious crimes during last year’s unprotected wage strike.
Monakisi said: “We categorically condemn the City of Tshwane’s actions and demand the immediate reinstatement of all 45 dismissed workers. These dismissals are not just an attack on the affected individuals; they are an attack on the collective rights of all workers.”
He said the union will intensify efforts to hold the City accountable for the salary increases owed to workers, which includes the 3.5% and 5.4% from 2021 and 2023, respectively.
The City recently appeared before the Labour Court to review decisions related to wage increases.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the city remains open to engaging with labour unions and other stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions.
Monakisi said the new leadership has vowed to prioritise legal and organisational efforts to ensure the reinstatement of the dismissed workers and to hold the City accountable for the unpaid salary increases.
The union has also called for unity and worker empowerment, committing to fostering greater solidarity among workers.
Fighting exploitation and intimidation will be among top priorities for the new committee, including strengthening worker representation by enhancing Samwu's collective bargaining capabilities.
In a stern warning to the City's management, the union said refusal to honour agreements victimise workers and that disrespect for municipal employees will not go unchallenged.
Pretoria News