EWN reports that Cape Town firefighters who embark on a go-slow over a pay dispute could be in breach of contract, the City of Cape Town has indicated in response to threats by municipal workers.  

The SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) said firefighters were meant to work about 40 hours a week, but members often worked longer shifts, without being paid overtime.  According to the city, it had held on and off negotiations with Samwu to resolve issues over working hours and overtime pay for firefighters, but there was a deadlock.  The municipality said its offer of an increased allowance of 30% had been rejected.  Samwu initially demanded a 79.23% allowance hike, but dropped it to 60%.  The union’s Sebenzile Kiva said that if members were not paid for the overtime they worked, they would only work from 8am until 4pm come 1 October.  “We will apply for an exemption at the Bargaining Council,” he added.  The city said it was committed to resolving the issue.

• Read the original of the report in the above regard by Kaylynn Palm at EWN

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