ANA reports that trade unions representing municipal workers have tabled their initial demands in the wage negotiations with the SA Local Government Association (Salga), the employer body which represents municipalities across the country.  

The negotiations are currently underway at the SA Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).  Simon Mathe, general secretary of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), indicated that the two trade unions have submitted joint opening demands, which include a single year agreement, an across the board 15% salary increase or R3,155 (whichever is greater), a R10,000 minimum wage for all municipal workers and a R2,000 housing allowance.  The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), which also demanded a basic monthly salary of R10,000, said the first round of salary negotiation in Durban would be difficult.  General secretary Johan Koen indicated that Salga’s opening proposal suggested a five-year agreement encompassing a 4.6% salary increase in the first year, followed by increases of 0.25% for the remaining years.

• Read this report in full at The Citizen
• Read too, Salga and municipal workers kick off wage negotiations, at BusinessLive

Read Samwu’s press statement at Samwu online

Read Imatu’s press statement at Imatu online

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page