Unions representing municipal workers across South Africa have two weeks to consider a new pay proposal following intense negotiations with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). Image: Mathipa Phishego/ The Post News
(The Post News)– Following intense negotiations with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), unions representing municipal workers across the country now have two weeks to deliberate on a new pay proposal.
This development comes after the third round of pay talks concluded last week, where two trade unions had previously rejected offers that fell short of their 8% demand, leading to a deadlock.
Previously, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) refused to abide by local government rules.
During the initial round of talks, the two labor unions brought up the price hikes for four essential family expenses: food, electricity, transportation, and utilities that were caused by inflation.
They also provided a thorough comparison with salary growth in other industries and the financial effects of rising housing and healthcare costs.
The unions pointed the finger at the local government’s unwillingness to cooperate, blaming their losses on excessive waste from unproductive and erratic spending.
The unions also stated that it is not reasonable to ask regular employees to foot the bill for years of mishandled finances. SALGA, which is in charge of all 257 councils in the nation, has previously declared that it was unable to pay for excessive pay raises.
Already, municipalities are juggling the competing pressures of rising public service demands and declining budgets.
The majority of the nation’s municipalities are in financial trouble, the National Treasury has warned, and it is suggested that salary increases be limited to 6%. Unions are even more enraged by this action.
Now, the South African Local Government Bargaining Council facilitators have intervened and released a 17-page proposal for a collective bargaining agreement covering salaries and wages. A five-year pay agreement with a total 6% rise for the 2024/25 fiscal year is included in the proposal.
Then, for years two and three, wages would rise by CPI + 0.75%, and for years four and five, by CPI + 1.25%.
The facilitator’s suggestion is merely a suggestion and is not legally enforceable. It is acknowledged that SAMWU and IMATU have not yet consulted with employees over the idea.
Municipal workers may go on a wave of devastating strikes if SALGA, IMATU, and SAMWU reject the proposal made by the facilitators in the bargaining council.
About the Author
