The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) is pleased that after a prolonged struggle, the Labour Court has finally set a date to hear the review application by the City of Tshwane. In 2021, parties within the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) entered into a three-year salary and wage collective agreement, promising municipal workers a 3.5% increase for the 2021/22 financial year, a 4.9% increase for 2022/23, and a 5.4% increase for 2023/24.
Instead of honouring this agreement, the City of Tshwane has repeatedly sought to evade its responsibilities by applying for exemptions, first for the 2021/22 increases and again for the 2023/24 increases. This blatant disregard for the agreement has resulted in denying our hardworking members their rightful salary increases twice within a three-year period. Despite losing these exemption applications, the City has stubbornly refused to pay the increases and has escalated the matter to the Labour Court in a misguided attempt to overturn the SALGBC award.
After nearly three years, the Labour Court has issued a notice of set down, scheduling the hearing for 28 November 2024, under case number JR1946/23. In the period preceding this, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) intervened through Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act to mediate an agreement on the payment modalities. However, despite some progress, no agreement has been reached.
SAMWU is pleased that the Labour Court has finally taken this crucial step. As a union, we are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that the City of Tshwane fully complies with the SALGBC award, which mandates the payment of the 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases. Despite our efforts, a mutual resolution remains elusive, and we now look to the courts as the final arbiter in this matter. We trust that the judicial process will enforce compliance and deliver justice for our members who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
While this case specifically addresses the 5.4% increase, SAMWU remains fully devoted to securing the 3.5% increase owed to our members from the 2021/22 financial year. We understand the immense frustration and hardship caused by the City’s actions and are dedicated to tirelessly fighting for justice on behalf of our members.