Samwu wins bid to reopen wage talks

Johannesburg - The SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) is "extremely pleased" with the arbitration award it received on Wednesday confirming that it is entitled to re-open wage negotiations for 2011/12 for the local government sector.

The union added that the employer body, the SA Local Government Association (Salga)'s delaying tactics had failed once again.

"This comes after a number of costly failed court interdicts and other tactics employed by Salga to deal with labour relations in the sector, a waste and utter disregard of public funds."

Samwu's demand stood at 18% or R2 000, whichever was greater.

"Salga's paltry offer of 6% is rejected with contempt by our members."

Samwu added that inflation had continued to move upwards while basics such as electricity, petrol and food showed increases far higher than the Consumer Price Index.

"These issues have a major impact on workers' spending power and a considerable increase is necessary in order to ensure that workers keep their heads above water."

The union also supported workers in the mining and engineering sectors who were already on strike and who were calling for above inflation increases.

"We believe this is an important step in pursuing a decent living wage, which was re-emphasised at the Congress of SA Trade Union's recent Central Committee meeting."