News24 reports that Amatola Water workers who embarked on strike action leaving several households without water in the Buffalo City Metro, will be returning to work. Amatola Water’s Amanda Skritch said the strike was called off on Tuesday evening, following a meeting between labour and management. Several water treatment plants of the East London-headquartered water utility were left unmanned after the 400-strong workforce downed tools on Monday. Mdantsane, Ntabozuko, Debe Nek and Keiskammahoek were reportedly without water since Monday afternoon. Workers complained about maladministration by the management and the board, claiming fellow workers had been suspended without following due processes.
Victor Tololo, SA Municipal Workers’ Union shop steward, earlier claimed that some of their grievances, which dated back to two years ago, had not yet been resolved. “Our grievances vary, and include our demand for fair compensation for fair work,” he indicated. Additionally, vacancies had not been filled for quite some time and the employees did not know why management was taking longer than usual to fill posts. Skritch said: “Amatola Water management and labour had engaged and the issues raised by employees were addressed.” Tololo confirmed the issues had been resolved following a meeting with management.
by Sithandiwe Velaphi
Ref: SA Labour News