Friday, 25 November 2011
City vs Union
Over R1-million in strike damage
The City of uMhlathuze has publicly declared a dispute with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and the matter will now go for arbitration at the National Bargaining Council. The announcement was made at the City Exco meeting on Tuesday by uMhlathuze Municipal Manager, Dr NJ Sibeko.‘We have encountered problems with SAMWU where they don’t engage with us personally and instead go to the media or the MEC spreading allegations,’ said Sibeko. This after KZN MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube called for an investigation following a letter received from SAMWU detailing claims of alleged corruption and nepotism at the local municipality. The City last week confirmed that there are no records that SAMWU had detailed their grievances in writing to the Municipal Manager and instead decided to go public. However, SAMWU Provincial Secretary, Jaycee Ncanana said it was ‘strange’ that a dispute had been declared without a deadlock first being reached at the Local Labour Forum.‘What is the basis of the impasse?
‘When you go to the Bargaining Council, there must be a deadlock over issues. ‘No one has been accused or prosecuted? ‘Furthermore, some issues have already been dealt with previously,’ said Ncanana. The union spokesperson confirmed he received a letter from the municipality last week informing him of the dispute. ‘I responded by requesting a meeting be convened so that we can sit down, hoping to find an amicable solution to the problem. ‘There are records that union grievances were communicated to the municipality. ‘No ears were willing to hear them and no desired solutions were reached,’ added Ncanana.
Strike damage
In separate items appearing before Exco on Tuesday, Councillors also aired concern over damage costs incurred by the municipality as a result of union strike action earlier this year.
Labour action commenced when Council resolved to hire four compactor trucks from Crossmoor Transport with effect from 27 June to alleviate the problem of municipal refuse trucks breaking down.
Waste Management Services reportedly encountered confrontation from refuse crews on the contracted staff and vehicles.
Areas were identified where additional security would be required during the strike at a cost of R200 362 to minimise risks and protect Council’s assets.
In August, industrial strike action resumed over an unresolved wage dispute.
Incidents of violence, intimidation and misconduct saw police arresting 42 employees on the scene.
Damage to the 132KV power transformer cost the City approximately R1.5-million while damage to a fire hydrant valve stood at R1 200.Damage was further estimated at R3 500 to repair a municipal traffic vehicle that was pelted with stones.‘Before any strike, the union must make an application and that union must be held responsible for all damages during the march,’ said Cllr Dumisani Nxumalo.‘The loss to Council is an issue that must be addressed. ‘We can’t feel the pinch of the finances alone.
‘The union must also feel the cost.’