The Star reports that Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has slammed the strike by Amatola Water workers, who downed tools last Friday despite being essential service workers.  

Amatola Water is responsible for the water supply to local municipalities of Amathole and Chris Hani districts.  At the heart of the dispute at the utility, which is accountable to Sisulu’s ministry, was the payment of 1.5% of the 8% increase as agreed upon by the Amanzi Bargaining Council for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years.  But, the Amatola board declared that it could not afford to pay the 8% wage increase this financial year because of its financial distress, which culminated in the strike last week by disgruntled workers.  Following her successful intervention, Sisulu discouraged industrial action by the workers, emphasising that they were providing an essential service.  She remarked:  “While our employees are within their constitutional right to embark on a strike action, I appeal to all of them to always be mindful that they are not ordinary employees, as their much-needed service of providing water to the people of South Africa is an essential service.  I call on each and every one of them to be civil in their approach and always guard against opportunists who often use valid grievances for their selfish interest.”  It is still unclear on which terms the union reached consensus with the government.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siviwe Feketha at Independent News

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