SAMWU dismisses criticism it's trying to 'bankrupt' Tshwane Municipality

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) has dismissed criticism that it is trying to "bankrupt" the Tshwane Municipality. 

This comes after the capital city was ordered by the SA Local Government Bargaining Council to implement a 3.5 percent salary hike for all its employees, with backdated pay stretching from the 2021/2022 financial year.

The municipality had approached the council seeking a deviation from the increase due to unaffordability, however, its arguments were dismissed. 

In 2020, the Tshwane Municipality entered into a three-year salary agreement with worker unions.

Then, in 2022, the municipality approached the bargaining council, seeking a deviation from the agreement, citing financial difficulties. 

After three years of litigation, the municipality has been ordered to find the money. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus say this spells financial disaster for the capital city.

However, SAMWU regional secretary, Donald Monakisi, said the municipality had a responsibility to abide by its signed agreements.

"The DA presided over this crisis of financial difficulty by the city, they have been running the city from 2016. If they implemented the increase at that particular time, we would not be here – now the amount is huge."

Monakisi said the backpay due to workers was likely close to two billion rand, which the bargaining council said the city can pay over a six-month period.

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