SAMWU secures above-inflation deal for water sector - 'the lifeline workers have been waiting for'

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has secured an above-inflation salary and wage collective agreement with seven of the country’s water boards.

Under the terms of the deal, workers will receive a salary increase of 7%.

Their housing allowance will also be upped to R3 700 a month, and all employees within the ABC bargaining unit will see their annual leave entitlement increase to 30 days.

The parties have also committed to ongoing discussions on several other key issues, including pay progression, post-retirement medical aid, and the introduction of a remote work policy.

Motheo Khoaripe gets comment from Papikie Mohale, the spokesperson for SAMWU.

Mohale says the deal is important both for the sustainability of the sector and for labour stability within it.

"When you have a situation where employees achieve such collective agreement without them having to go on the streets we have no interruption of this stability.

"Just these seven water boards themselves are responsible for 95% of bulk water provision to the country's municipalities and industries, so you can imagine the impact if there had been a need for workers to go on industrial action."

Papikie Mohale, Spokesperson - South African Municipal Workers' Union

While you never get everything you want in the horse trading of negotiatons, Mohale says, the workers in this case are happy.

"It is really difficult out there for everyone to ensure that their rand stretches as far as possible. This is a lifeline they have been waiting for."

Papikie Mohale, Spokesperson - South African Municipal Workers' Union

SAMWU says salary and wage negotiations for workers in South Africa's 257 municipalities will start on 15 July.