Samwu members owed R3 Million by Steve Tshwete local municipality 23-07-08

 

 

22 SAMWU MEMBERS OWED APPROXIMATELY R3 MILLION BY STEVE TSHWETE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

In 2004 a joint committee made up of management and workers, was set up to investigate claims that workers had been forced to work unpaid overtime. The investigation revealed that the municipality had unlawfully forced workers at fire department to work overtime without pay since 2004.

The union immediately filed a dispute with the bargaining council but the arbitration scheduled for 11 July 2008 could not proceed due to the absence of the Arbitrator.

In an attempt to avoid paying the workers their due monies, the municipality, through their Labour Relations Officer, requested the workers to resign from SAMWU and join the Solidarity union. During this period, due to staff shortages, workers would work for example from Friday until Monday with no rest period or overtime payment.

As compensation, management proposed that workers be paid the so-called allowance of 24% of their salary.

SAMWU will ensure that workers are paid their due overtime. The municipality appoints enough staff to cater for the required shifts which means it should not be necessary for workers to work long shifts without breaks. SAMWU will also demand an investigation of the Labour Relations Officer.

For more information, contact SAMWU Provincial Secretary comrade Kgokedi Mphahlele at 0826626436.