Unrest results in strike

Municipal workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), downed their tools during wage disputes last Tuesday.

Although the strike was peaceful, EXCO met to address the situation while police kept a watchful eye.

However, the meeting had to be put on hold as senior municipal officials first had to meet with SAMU leaders.

Nhlanhla Nqwenya, acting chairperson for the municipal workers, said the reason workers went on strike was because their salary structures were not on par.

“Newcastle is on a Grade 6 salary structure and we are still getting a Grade 4 salary.”

Determined to have their demands met, Mr Ngwenya emphasised the workers did not want to fight but wanted to get an undertaking from the municipality to address the issue.

“This has been an ongoing problem for the past six years,” said a frustrated municipal employee.

No comment was received from the municipality at the time of going to print.