Water shortage on the cards as strike looms at Rand Water
No agreement could be reached on Monday afternoon
Gauteng and Mpumalanga could face water shortages as negotiations between Rand Water and the SA Municipal Workers Union failed on Monday afternoon.
Justice Mohale, spokesman for Rand Water, issued a statement late Monday afternoon, saying no agreement had yet been reached in respect of certain of the demands made by the trade unions, namely the percentage increases to salary, housing allowances and the incentive bonus.
“Rand Water remains committed to current salary negotiations and met with representatives of its employee-affiliated trade unions. This, after the organisation was served with a notice to strike.
“The meeting, however, confirmed that the Minimum Services Level Agreement is not a matter of dispute. Rand Water will continue to provide high quality potable water to all its customers and remains committed to reaching an amicable resolution to the current salary negotiations,” Mohale said.
Some 4 000 members of the union – involved in both the treatment and distribution of water, gave 48 hours’ notice of their intention to strike.
Samwu is demanding a 10% increase for all of the lowest-paid workers at Rand Water; 9% for middle-income workers and 8% for supervisors. It wants a 12% incentive bonus and R2 150 housing allowance across the board.
Rand Water has offered a 6% increase.
Mohale assured the company’s customers, including municipalities, industry, farms and mines, there would be no interference in water supply.
