Mogale City Local Municipality’s communications department has finally responded to the News’ urgent requests for feedback on the current state of affairs regarding the municipal workers’ go-slow.
Workers in Mogale’s employ were on a go-slow as it seemed that negotiations between the municipality’s management and the workers unions were not panning out.
The go-slow started on 22 May when the workers did not receive payment for the hours they have worked during the lockdown.
Read initial report here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/435807/mogale-city-employees-on-go-slow-due-to-non-payment-of-hours-worked/
Mogale City’s statement to the News said they would like to apologise profusely to their affected communities for any inconvenience caused during the go-slow.
“We confirm that the municipality has been inundated with enquiries relating to the non-collection of refuse, signalling the urgency of this matter. Firstly, the removal of refuse and provision of other services have not been provided to its fullest as workers were on a go-slow due to delayed payments of Covid-19 compensation to municipal workers who worked during lockdown, as well as safety and hygiene measures flagged by workers.
Since the municipality has no policy in place to regulate the payment of such compensation, there were opposing interpretations from the side of management and the labour unions representing workers. This led to protracted negotiations through a number of meetings, which brought about some level of frustration on the side of labour unions and subsequently led to a go-slow that was also extensively covered by media.
As identified in the municipality’s Lockdown Business Continuity Plan, most of these workers (water and electricity, refuse removal, public safety, call centre agents and other) rendered essential services throughout the Level 5 until the Level 4 lockdown period.
A final meeting was held with labour unions, management and the Executive Mayor over the weekend where a consensus between all parties was reached, detailing how the compensation will be paid. In this meeting, it was resolved that payments will be expedited, and we can confirm that payments have commenced. Some workers have already received payment, depending on their banks, and the process should be concluded in line with the agreement this week.
We can also confirm that workers have returned to their posts and refuse collection is under way. In dealing with the backlog created by the go-slow, we are working as per the normal schedule, starting today with Monday’s timetable, and hope to clear all refuse by the end of this week,” the communique said.
It further stated that with regard to the safety and hygiene issues raised by workers, the community should firstly note that the Covid-19 pandemic affected the routine of every institution and individual, and the municipality is not immune to this.
“Where possible, until the go-slow, we ensured that essential services continued uninterrupted throughout the lockdown period. As any other institution, the municipality remains affected by all applicable Level 3 regulations and is preparing for the return of more staff on a rotational basis, where possible, to ease [in] the numbers of working groups.”
The public is advised to check the municipal website and local media regularly for any updates on the operation of other municipal services like Licensing, the Revenue offices and others.”
No response has been given with regard to the local Democratic Alliance’s statement that council recently approved a R100 million overdraft.
“Thousands of residents in Mogale City will be forced to fund a R100 million overdraft facility. During a virtual council meeting last week, the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) approved an overdraft in addition to other loans the municipality has taken out. Thirty eight ANC and one IFP councillor voted in favour of the R100 million overdraft facility, while the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) opposed it, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) abstained,” the DA’s statement read.
