The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has expressed deep concern regarding a recent statement made by City of Tshwane Mayor, Cllr Cilliers Brink.
SAMWU complains, inter alia, that:
- Brink levelled accusations suggesting that SAMWU has resorted to violence for the implementation of 3.5% and 5.4% salary increases for 2021 and 2022;
- SAMWU has previously faced unfounded accusations from the Mayor, only to be vindicated by the courts and the City;
- Brink has alleged that ‘a top Union leader was dismissed for their involvement in the torching of a municipal truck on 29 August’. We categorically state that among the various charges and unwarranted dismissals issued to our members and municipal workers in Tshwane, none are related to the destruction or vandalism of municipal property.
- These recent attacks are driven by a ‘desire to tarnish our image, undermine our reputation, portray our members and municipal workers as violent, while undermining collective bargaining’.
- Community members may unjustly target municipal workers due to Brink’s comments that workers are involved in sabotage, violence and have crippled service delivery.
‘Recognizing that municipal infrastructure is essential for delivering services, the Union has consistently advocated against the use of violence to resolve the impasse in Tshwane. SAMWU will not tolerate any form of violence against municipal infrastructure or attacks on workers. We want to make it clear that no one should misuse the Union’s name to commit acts of misconduct, as such behaviour will not be tolerated.’
SAMWU will continue to fight for the full implementation of the salary and wage agreement.
‘In the interest of normalcy, stability, and service delivery, we call on the City to return to the negotiation table. The current situation demands that the City and Unions engage in constructive dialogue, rather than talking past each other.’