Union unhappy about the council dragging its feet

LYDENBURG – The South African Municipal Worker’s Union (Samwu) recently held a media briefing where several issues were raised and discussed.

The union said it had learned with great disappointment that Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM) was continuing to drag its feet in implementing the order of the Labour Court.

“The matter relates back to a settlement that was reached between Sanwu and the employer at labour-forum level wherein all parties to labour at municipal level bargain. The accord stated that the municipality should place workers in their rightful positions by December 1, 2012. TCM issued appointment letters confirming the positions of the workers, yet, despite the fact that there was a settlement agreement from the labour forum and an order from the labour court compelling TCM to comply, management behaved as if none of these existed.”

Samwu also said that with regard to cases of suspension of employees, especially its members, management continued to be arrogant and prejudicial towards those employees. They also mentioned their shock and dismay regarding the appointment of

Mr Jacob Phala as acting unit manager. “This has shocked the workers and the public at large. How can an individual change three positions within a year and yet the very same person is attending court proceedings on allegations of missing municipal monie?.

“Management is giving the guarantee to the public that it is going to act against this allegedly corrupt activities conducted by Phala. What is so special about him?”

Members said that they were aware that management would continue to appoint him nonetheless. “We further indicate that the appointment of Phala was not done according to due processes. Samwu would like an opportunity to also submit a list of capable and qualified members whom we believe, just like Phala and his family, deserve to be elevated to managerial position.”

The union said it had submitted a memorandum on December 6, where we requested the office of the mayor to deal with those issues entailed in the memorandum and to date there was no response.

“This is the testimony to the fact that this leadership is not at all prepared to resolve challenges which are affecting the municipality.” They told the newspaper that Samwu had been patient, believing that the leadership would alter its arrogance and began to attend issues.

“We have now lost patience with the latter and anything that will happen, the management will be held responsible (sic). Political interference has become a trend in TCM because politicians will constantly want to dismiss those whom they regard as rivals and replace them with friends, relatives, political associates, girlfriends and wives.”

The union said that they awaited a response from TCM regarding the issues raised.