Union divided on wage increase agreement

THE Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) says it will accept a 3.5% wage increase as proposed in recommendations set down by a conciliator following protracted local government wage negotiations.

Imatu and the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) have been locked in wage talks with the South African Local Government Association (Salga) since March.

Last week, after extended conciliation talks, a report compiled by a conciliator recommended a 3.5% wage hike across the board for municipal workers – effective from July 2021.

It also proposed a three-year agreement to conclude in 2024.

The report further recommended an added once-off non-pensionable R4 000 cash payment for workers earning less than R12 500 and R3 000 non-pensionable cash payment for workers earning more than R12 500.

Parties have until the end of this month to submit their response to the proposal at the SA Local Government Bargaining Council.

Imatu’s president Keith Swanepoel said the union decided to accept the offer.

The union initially sought a 7% increase and a 1-year agreement.

Swanepoel maintained that the union’s executive would meet tomorrow to agree on signing the offer.

Meanwhile, Samwu has yet to decide on whether it will accept the proposal.

Samwu spokesperson Papikie Mohale said an executive meeting would be held today to decide on the way forward.

The union has expressed concern that wage talks have yet to conclude with August being the second month in which the agreement would have been in effect.

Samwu is demanding a minimum sectoral wage of R15 000; R4 000 salary increase across the board; six months’ fully-paid maternity leave; one month of fully paid parental leave and an R3 500 housing allowance.

Salga, meanwhile, welcomed the proposal by the conciliator and said was hopeful that this would conclude the matter.

“Salga hopes this development will go a long well in cementing the labour relations so that the sector can return to more pressing matters such as continuing the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, working on improving the financial recovery of municipalities and fast-tracking service delivery,” the association said in its statement released early this week.

The organisation also said it would consult with its members and respond on whether to accept the proposal or not.

Salga had proposed a 2.8% increase. For the agreement to be implemented, all parties have to agree on the proposal.