By Johannah Malogadihlare
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has said an agreement was reached between his office and the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members after Thursday’s strike where union members blocked the M1 and M2 roads in Braamfontein and caused chaos for motorists.
At least 10 000 workers participated in the protest to demand back payments amounting to R10.3 million that Samwu has accused the city of failing to effect in line with a Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA) reached in 2016.
In a statement Lesufi said that an agreement was reached with the striking municipal workers to reopen all the freeways immediately.
“We will then meet with their leadership to talk about all outstanding matters. Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused”, said Lesufi.
The Joburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xholani Fihla said the strikers weren’t violent although they closed off roads and officers had to be deployed to divert traffic.
The strike comes after meetings between Samwu and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) failed to come up with a suitable offer.
Samwu’s secretar- general Dumisani Magagula said the offer from SALGA does not meet the financial needs of the workers because of the rising cost of living.
“We are resolute in our demand for substantial wage increase. Our members deserve a wage that ensures they can support their families and live with dignity”, said Magagula.
According to Samwu’s deputy regional chairperson in Johannesburg Lebogang Ndawo, the workers have been stuck with entry-level salaries since 1995.
However, Ndawo said Samwu doesn’t want the city to become bankrupt, but all they want is fair pay.
INSIDE POLITICS
