Ekurhuleni council pauses amid SAMWU protest
We have been patience “ been tested to the extreme end” as issues raised repeatedly in Local Labour Forum (LLF) meetings, bilateral engagements and written correspondence remain unattended.
The final council sitting of the year in the City of Ekurhuleni was briefly halted last Thursday after members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) gathered outside the Germiston Council Chambers, demanding that the executive mayor address persistent labour disputes.
Security was increased as tensions rose, and proceedings were paused to allow Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza to receive the union’s memorandum.
SAMWU, the majority union in Ekurhuleni with more than 10 000 members, said the city had failed for years to resolve issues repeatedly raised through the Local Labour Forum, bilateral meetings and formal correspondence.
The union said its members’ patience has been tested to the extreme.
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The memorandum outlined 30 outstanding matters affecting employees across EMPD, DEMS, ERWAT and community services. Many have reportedly remained unresolved for years.|
Key financial demands include:
• Implementation of the LLF resolution on leave encashment
• Immediate payment of acting allowances under the SALGBC Gauteng agreement
• Covid-19 allowance compensation
• Adjustment of funeral benefits
• Full implementation of the Gauteng Conditions of Service Arbitration Award
• Resolution of salary disparities, including EMPD’s long-standing 60-hour benefit dispute
Progression, promotion and compensation
SAMWU also called for:
• Immediate rank promotions for qualifying DEMS staff
• Danger allowance for eligible employees
• Separation of bonuses from normal salaries to reduce tax pressure
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Concerns over EMPD and insourcing
Regional secretary Tshepang Langa said the city continued to delay action on major issues, particularly the insourcing of cleaners and security guards, despite a binding council resolution.
He said long-standing EMPD matters, some pending for more than six months, include:
• Conversion of traffic wardens to metro police officers
• Addressing salary anomalies
• Proper engagement on the full EMPD demand list
The union also rejected what it called the “unprocedural formation” of new business units in Waste Management, Energy, and Water and Sanitation, arguing that the City cannot restructure without consulting organised labour.
Service delivery concerns linked to working conditions
SAMWU said poor working conditions were directly affecting service delivery. The memorandum called for:
• Adequate and decentralised PPE and tools of trade
• Repairs to the municipal fleet and facilities
• Filling of critical vacancies
• Reduced reliance on outsourced contractors, with a shift toward municipalisation of non-technical services
The union further raised allegations of victimisation of members and called for the reinstatement of suspended shop stewards.
Housing, youth development and ERWAT issues
Additional demands include:
• Access to serviced stands for municipal workers
• Removal of experience requirements for entry-level municipal jobs
• Reinstatement of staff bursaries
• Full implementation of arbitration awards
For ERWAT workers, SAMWU flagged grade restructuring, risk allowance, proper overtime calculations and sufficient PPE for wastewater operations.
The city has been given 14 working days to respond with commitments that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
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Mayor receives memorandum and promises action
Xhakaza, accompanied by speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga and city manager Kagiso Lerutla, was escorted by security to meet the workers.
The mayor accepted and signed the memorandum, thanking workers for remaining within picketing rules. He confirmed the city recognises SAMWU and is committed to responding within the stipulated timeframe.
“We will look into the grievances and try to address them, but we cannot address everything at once,” he said.
Xhakaza pledged to prioritise insourcing, starting with cleaners and security personnel, and promised an inspection of depot working conditions. He urged employees to resume work, which they agreed to do.
DA warns city cannot afford insourcing
Speaking to Germiston City News, Ekurhuleni DA caucus leader Brandon Pretorius said the insourcing process was announced prematurely and is financially unsustainable.
“The city thought insourcing would happen overnight, without proper research. It is not cost-effective, and the city is already in a dire financial situation,” Pretorius said.
He added that while the DA is not opposed to insourcing, the city must be realistic and avoid creating false hope without a clear financial plan.
