City services disruption on cards

ZULULAND residents will face disruptions in normal municipal services this week as thousands of local municipal workers begin an indefinite strike over wages today (Monday).
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) has embarked on nationwide action after wage talks with employer, the South African Local Government Association (Salga), deadlocked last week.
Samwu is asking for a 15% raise, or R2 500, whichever is greater based on a single-year agreement to Salga’s 10,5% offer. Imatu was prepared to accept a revised offer of 11,5% tabled by the conciliator, but Samwu rejected it.
Samwu Chairperson in the City of uMhlathuze, PC Nxumalo, said local protests would take place on Monday at the Empangeni Rail, Empangeni Civic Centre, eSikhawini Depot, Richards Bay Civic Centre and Alton Service Centre.

Essential services
uMhlathuze Municipal Manager, Dr Tonie Heyneke, said a minimum services agreement had already been reached to ensure certain employees were on duty to maintain essential services.
‘A strike committee of senior officials has been formed to deal with any issue, from purchasing materials, making arrangements with the private sector, security, and so on..
‘We are aware of the strike and are well prepared.
‘The no work, no pay principle will apply and this will cause tremendous hardships for employees if the strike continues.
‘Written notification has been sent to those essential workers who are required to be on duty,’ added Heyneke.
uThungulu District Municipal Manager, BB Biyela, told the Zululand Observer that contingency plans were already in place in the form of a Strike Management Committee.
‘Essential Service workers have already been given written notification to inform them they are not protected from strike action and will face consequences or disciplinary measures should they participate.
‘Essential services would include those workers involved in the operation of rural and urban water schemes, sanitation and sewerage services.
‘Our Disaster Management unit is outsourced, so will not be affected by the strike.
‘We are, however, hopeful that the unions and the Bargaining Council would be able to reach consensus to avert the strike,’ said Biyela.