Mogalakwena workers defy court order, down tools
Imatu has distanced itself from the action, calling on members to return to work immediately and warning it doesn't meet the legal threshold for a protected strike.
MOKOPANE – Basic municipal services in Mogalakwena were disrupted for more than a week after workers embarked on an unprotected strike over a range of labour-related grievances.
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) said the protest stems from unresolved issues including job grading, overtime payments, sleeping allowances and other employee benefits.
Chairperson Leeucent Chipana said the demonstrations initially served as a warning to the municipality, but alleged that management had failed to respond adequately to workers’ concerns.
Samwu weighs next legal steps
He confirmed that the union has applied for a protected strike and is awaiting feedback from the bargaining council before deciding on its next legal steps.
According to Chipana, the municipality must restore workers’ rights in line with labour legislation and applicable policies.
He warned that if the matter is not resolved locally, Samwu is prepared to escalate it to regional, provincial and national structures.
Municipality warns of disciplinary action
The municipality said it has engaged organised labour in an effort to resolve the dispute, holding discussions with both Samwu and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu).
It has repeatedly called on employees to return to work, but said a number of workers have continued with the unprotected industrial action.
Municipal management reminded employees that the strike is in contravention of a Labour Court order obtained by the municipality and warned that those participating could face disciplinary action in terms of labour legislation and municipal policies.
Grievances acknowledged, but budget cited
The municipality acknowledged that employees had raised legitimate concerns regarding their working conditions and said these issues have been discussed through established collective bargaining and labour relations processes.
It, however, said many of the demands carry significant financial implications and cannot be implemented without following the required budgeting, consultation and legislative procedures.
Municipal officials also expressed concern that several of the issues raised have been under discussion for some time, questioning why the matter escalated into an unprotected strike while negotiations were still under way.
Fears of intimidation raised
The municipality further alleged that some employees had indicated they wanted to return to work but feared intimidation or victimisation.
It condemned any form of intimidation and assured workers they would be protected if they resumed their duties.
Imatu distances itself from strike
In a letter dated July 29, Imatu distanced itself from the industrial action.
It stated that while it respects every employee’s constitutional right to strike, any strike must comply with the Labour Relations Act and the union’s constitution.
“Your actions and failure to report for duty are unlawful and do not constitute a protected strike. We call on all members to return to work immediately,” the union said.
Municipality apologises, vows to restore services
The municipality apologised to residents for the disruption to services and said every effort was being made to restore normal operations.
It reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with organised labour, saying its doors remain open for meaningful dialogue.
At the same time, it stressed that it has a constitutional obligation to ensure the continued delivery of services and would take all legal measures necessary to protect municipal operations and uphold the rule of law.
