DispatchLive reports that “hundreds” of Eastern Cape provincial traffic officers across six districts are owed more than R9.2-million for overtime worked.  As a result they have stopped working overtime until they receive the money owed to them.  

The amount owed could be much higher as the R9.2m covers only overtime between May and July.  The payment delays are due to a change in the approval system for overtime pay, which has been centralised at provincial treasury.  Previously 100% of remuneration in overtime pay was permitted, but the treasury is now insisting on a 30% limit as per regulations.  Nonetheless, the treasury has now authorised payments at 100% of remuneration for the period until the end of August and so the first batch of payments has apparently been effected.  Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana indicated that department was engaging with labour on a possible approach to maintaining overtime remuneration within the 30% limit.  Popcru provincial secretary Zamikhaya Skade said the union was happy about progress made in payment of the overtime.

• Read this report by Asanda Nini in full at DispatchLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page