SAMWU ready for last round of negotiations in SALGBC, begins negotiations in ABC
01 June 2021
SAMWU ready for last round of negotiations in SALGBC, begins negotiations in ABC
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) held a virtual special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on the 31st May 2021 on salary and wage negotiations in both sectors that we organise in. Negotiations are currently taking place in the Amanzi Bargaining Council (ABC) and the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).
On ABC
The meeting noted that salary and wage negotiations in the Amanzi Bargaining Council (ABC) began on the 31st of May 2021. The ABC consists of trade unions as employee representative and the employer body which consists of the country’s 12 water boards which are responsible for bulk water supply to all of the country’s municipalities and industries.
As mandated by the recently held special extended Central Executive Committee meeting which succeeded the National Collective Bargaining Conference, the union has presented demands in the ABC as follows;
1. Period of Agreement – single year agreement
2. Across the Board salary increase of R 4000-00 or 10% Increase whichever is greater.
3. Sectoral minimum wage of R 15000-00
4. Housing Allowance of R 3500-00 as housing allowance, irrespective of a bond.
5. Shift arrangement implementation of 4×4 Shift System throughout the sector.
6. Increase the Tenure System to Ten (10) years.
7. Cellphone and Data Allowance – an allowance of R2000 for all employees required to utilize Cellphones and Data.
5. Medical aid contribution – 80% medical aid contribution by employers while workers will contribute 20%.
6. Parental leave – 6 months maternity leave with full pay for mothers and 1 month paternity leave with full pay for fathers. Parental leave shall include child-bearing, adoption of a child and stillborn.
7. Pension funds – 25% employer contribution towards pension. In addition, workers should be allowed voluntary contribution towards savings at 5%.
8. Danger / risk allowance – R1500pm towards danger/risk allowance and an an ex-gratia payment of 1 month salary for those directly involved in essential service and 30% of salary for those who were working remotely.
9. Finalization of deferred task team items
10. 18% Shift allowance (Fixed to basic salary)
11. 10% Standby Allowance
Parties in the ABC have agreed that a further two rounds of negotiations should be held with the option of an additional round should the need arise.
On SALGBC
Salary and wage negotiations in the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) began earlier in March this year, wherein trade unions formally presented their demands to the employer body, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
In the second round of negotiations, SALGA finally presented an offer to workers being a 2,8% salary increase that was accompanied by a total freeze in benefits linked to salaries such as medical aid, housing, travelling, car and all other benefits that municipal workers are currently receiving.
The special NEC noted the developments in the SALGBC and reported back that after consultations, workers have totally rejected the offer presented by SALGA especially the freeze on allowances.
The special NEC is of the view that SALGA has not approached these negotiations in good faith and that the offer that has been made is an insult to workers, essentially provoking workers.
As a clear sign that SALGA does not take these negotiations seriously, they have failed to respond to our letter in which we requested that the political leadership of SALGA, including the President, Cllr Thembi Semelane-Nkadimeng and the CEO, Mr. Xolile George be part of the next and last round of negotiations.
It is our considered view that the absence of political leadership has already compromised the negotiations as offer that are always put on the table are termed “unmandated or unofficial” by the SALGA negotiation team.
If SALGA is interested in seeing these negotiations concluded, they should include their political leadership in the last round of negotiations which is to be held on the 3rd and 4th June 2021.
As we move towards the last round of negotiations, SAMWU will continue the fight for decent increases for the country’s municipal workers. If SALGA continue with their arrogance, insults and not taking the negotiations seriously, then these negotiations will be concluded on the streets. Our structures have already indicated that they are ready for any eventuality should the employer continue with the same posture.
Issued by SAMWU Secretariat
Dumisane Magagula
Deputy General Secretary
084 806 4006
Or
Papikie Mohale
National Media Officer
073 710 0356