150 000 municipality workers to strike countrywide on Monday.

150 000 municipality workers to strike countrywide on Monday.

“While workers legitimate wage demands are being ignored and denied, local government managers are paying themselves exorbitant salaries.”

By Tahir Sema.

On Monday 27^th July, workers employed by the municipality are expected to stop work and take to the streets across the country, calling for better pay and better benefits. The municipal workers and their respective Unions have rejected the latest wage offer of 11.5 percent by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Essential services that would be suspended during the strike; refuse removal, metro bus services, train services, maintenance and any other services directly or indirectly associated to the municipality.

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) are demanding the following for it’s members; Minimum wage of R5000 for the sector, a wage increase of 15%, 70% housing loan assistance or 70% housing rental, rejection of the multi-year agreement and filling of all vacant posts within municipalities.

In a joint press conference with SAMWU and IMATU, union affiliates made it clear that the country wide strike action was a last resort, saying that its members will continue striking indefinitely, until its demands are met. The unions are hoping that SALGA acknowledges the seriousness of these strikes.

SAMWU said, “the municipal workers received a below inflation level increase in the last financial year, effectively leading to a 4.5% cut in real wages, the union added that workers demands for a 15% increase is not unreasonable.

“While workers legitimate wage demands are being ignored and denied, local government managers are paying themselves exorbitant salaries, in most cases well over R1 million a year. Is this just and equitable?” SAMWU President Petrus Mashishi.

In a 2007-2008 local Government financial year report, it has been mentioned that 45% of all municipalities have engaged in unauthorized and wasteful expenditure. This has angered workers further, suggesting that with proper control of finances, the government could easily afford a decent wage for the men and woman who provide South Africa with vital services.

The unions strongly believe that their demands are both reasonable and affordable for municipalities. They have assured the country that adequate steps will be taken to ensure that no violence ensues from the countrywide strike.