DFA reports that members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) have returned to work at Sol Plaatje Municipality following a two-day “tools down” action over workers’ grievances. Workers gathered at the civic centre on Wednesday after a promised local labour forum (LLF) meeting took place on Tuesday afternoon. During the meeting it was agreed that the municipality would look into absorbing 100 contract workers in the next financial year, depending on the available budget.
The names of those affected by the Covid pandemic will also be re-submitted for the payment of Covid-19 allowances, while danger allowances of R558 will be paid out to workers who qualify at the end of July. It was also agreed that transport allowances, for workers travelling by public transport, would be increased. The union was advised that the suspension of workers was a matter that was sub judice.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said the leadership of the municipality met with Samwu on Wednesday to discuss their grievances. “Both parties had a mutual agreement on demands and workers are officially back at work with immediate effect. Municipal services are also back to normal,” said Riet. Samwu local chairperson Daily Semau added that a commitment was made that more regular LLF meetings would be held in the future. He indicated that all workers would return to their posts on Thursday.
by Sandi Kwon Hoo