South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) says crunch talks between its members and employer body South African Association of Water Utilities (SAAWU) on the wage dispute that exists in the water sector have failed to deliver any positive results.

SAAWU refused to make any further move beyond its offer of 9% across the board, “This intransigent position left SAMWU and its Trade Union allies no option but to ask the commissioner to issue a certificate that will allow the Unions to call their members out on a national strike,” SAMWU said.

SAMWU’s chief negotiator Dale Forbes said, the water supply to Municipalities throughout the country will dry up!

Forbes expressed his disappointment in the immaturity and irresponsibility of the employers’ organisation, “Such behaviour will leave many consumers without water for the duration of the strike, which could be quite some time,” he warned.

In view of SAAWU’s stance, the Unions’ final demand remains unchanged at 13.5% for the lowest paid and 11% for the highest paid workers respectively.

SAMWU will be having further discussions with affected communities and other public sector unions who are considering their own industrial action in support of their wage demands.