Dismissed Ugu workers return to work

On November 1, a total of 119 employees of Ugu District Municipality who were dismissed in 2020 for embarking on an unprotected strike, returned to work.

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) KZN secretary, Nokubonga Dinga said they welcome with celebration the reinstatements.

Last week, the Fever had reported that the dismissed workers were hopeful that they will be returning to work in November.

Dinga said the 119 employees will be receiving 12 months’ salary as compensation for lost income as a result of the termination of their employment.

She added that parties have also agreed that further engagements should be held between labour and the municipality on the payment of employer contributions towards their pension funds for an agreed period of 24 months.

“As per the settlement agreement which was made an order of the Labour Court in Durban on October 19, all the 119 employees will be reinstated effective from November 1. We understand the pain and suffering that the workers have endured as a result of their dismissals; the impact was further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic which gravely affected unemployed South Africans,” said Dinga, adding that they urge municipalities to always act with the intention of ensuring sound industrial relations in all municipalities.

“We are of the view that working together as equal stakeholders, both municipal management and labour will ensure that services rendered to residents in the province are not compromised. Once again, we thank workers for the trust that they placed in the union. We wish them well as they return to work,” she said.

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