Salary hike might be explored once City’s finances stabilise – mayor
“We value city employees, however the city is in a precarious financial position,” says mayor when addressing municipal workers.
Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink has acknowledged the important work done by municipal workers, but also warned that the metro’s financial situation is “unwell”.
Brink made the remarks while addressing the workers affiliated with the South African municipal workers’ union (Samwu), who were demanding salary hikes.
Brink and metro manager Johann Mettler addressed the workers today outside Tshwane House.
“Although the metro values the work of its workers, it faces significant financial challenges that will make it difficult to meet the demands,” said Brink.
Brink acknowledged the valuable work done by metro employees, while also acknowledging the difficult financial situation the metro finds itself in.
He stated that the metro’s commitment to paying employee salaries on time, as well as the funding plan and mandate for exemption of salary increases, are signs of the metro’s concern for its workforce.
“However, the financial challenges facing the metro, including outstanding payments to Eskom and Rand Water, make it difficult to meet the demands of salary increases,” Brink said.
Brink claimed that the mandate by the metro council was to rescue the metro and try to stabilise the finances.
“Tshwane cannot be the metro of excellence if we cannot afford to pay salary increases.”
Brink stated that the metro desperately wants to increase salaries.
“However difficult decisions must be made to rescue the capital metro from financial ruin.”
WATCH: Tshwane mayor addressing workers:https: //twitter.com/tshwane_mayor/status/1684878394083909632?s=20
Brink stressed that the metro’s current financial situation is a significant factor in determining its ability to consider salary increases for employees.
However, he emphasised that if the metro’s financial situation improves, the possibility of reconsidering the decision on salaries will be explored.
In the meantime, he urged protestors to refrain from violent or disruptive behaviour, emphasising that such actions negatively impact the community and could jeopardise the metro’s financial stability.
WATCH: https://twitter.com/CityofTshwane/status/1684874580580524032?s=20
ALSO READ: WATCH: Tshwane’s finances are far from embarrassing, claims mayor
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