Municipal workers and the local government bargaining council are at loggerheads over wage increases, with workers refusing to accept the offer on the table.
This week, parties in the South African local government bargaining council (SALGBC) will meet for the third and final round of negotiations after two previous attempts collapsed.
According to the union, they previously received “provocative and undermining” offers from the employer body.
Representing 257 municipalities, the South African Local Government Association (Salga) has tabled an offer of a 3.75% across-the-board wage increase as part of a five-year salary and wage collective agreement linked to inflation-based annual increases. Additionally, employees earning R22,000 monthly or less will receive a one-off ex gratia payment of R3,000.
This has been perceived as a slap in the face by the union, which said it has consistently advocated for a wage increase that acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of municipal workers who continue to deliver vital services under challenging circumstances.
Additionally, the union said Salga's current offer falls far short of addressing the financial pressures faced by workers due to the rising cost of living.
“As a union, we have been mandated by workers to not settle for anything less than a substantial wage increase that reflects the true worth of municipal workers. We firmly oppose any attempts by Salga to exclude financially distressed municipalities from the collective agreement.”
Salga spokesperson Sivuyile Mbambato said the agency has called for a differentiated approach towards increases based on the affordability of municipalities.
This means financially distressed municipalities won’t be eligible to implement the wage increase, unlike previous agreements which adopted a one-size-fits-all approach, applying increases across the board.
The union believes these exclusions undermine the principles of collective bargaining and unfairly penalise workers for matters beyond their control.
The South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) has vowed to continue to fight for the inclusion of all municipalities in any agreement reached.
“The proposed sectoral minimum wage of R9,890 is inadequate, and Samwu remains resolute in its demand for a substantial increase that ensures a living wage for all municipal workers. We believe that every worker deserves the dignity of earning a wage that allows them to provide for their families and live comfortably.
“We reiterate our demand for the inclusion of serviced stands in the agreement. This initiative would empower workers to build their own homes and contribute to the economic development of their municipalities. Salga's refusal to consider this demand is unacceptable, and we will continue to press for its inclusion.”
Instead, Salga believes that their approach to these negotiations is also premised on the productivity levels of municipalities, linking salary increases to service delivery.
However, Samwu remains adamant the proposals seek to undermine wage agreements or make it easier for municipalities to avoid paying salary increases.
Its general secretary Dumisane Magagula said the union is committed to defending the rights of municipal workers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
“We are deeply concerned by the National Treasury’s recent advisory to municipalities to budget for wage increases between 3% and 6% for municipal workers. This advice not only undermines the integrity of the collective bargaining process but also constitutes unacceptable interference in a process that is meant to be between Salga and the trade unions.”
The union described the advisory as an attempt to impose “arbitrary limits” on wage increases and dismissed it as a “blatant overreach that disregards the autonomy of municipalities and the rights of workers to negotiate freely through their unions”.
“Municipalities must respect the autonomy of the collective bargaining process and recognise that these negotiations are between Salga and the unions, not with the Treasury.”
Salga said they remain optimistic that the wage negotiations will eventually yield positive results and that the parties will find common ground.
