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Moneyweb reports that members of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Tshwane, who have been protesting a council decision not to grant them any salary increase this year, earn more than the vast majority of adults in Gauteng, according to Unisa’s Bureau of Market Research (BMR).
They are currently striking to demand the 4.5% increase due to all municipal workers in terms of a sector collective agreement. The city has however not budgeted for the R600 million required for such an increase and has applied for exemption from the agreement based on its dire financial situation. The clash between employer and employee has seriously impacted service delivery and more than 90 workers have already been fired for participating in the unprotected strike, but the end does not seem to be near. The city provided the following details about what officials earn: “We have 23 salary bands from T1 to T23. Our salary scales start from the lowest level of R143 580,00 to highest level of R1 947 660,00 per annum.” That translates to R11,965 per month for the lowest level, and R162,305 for the highest-paid official (excluding the city manager, chief financial officer and chief of the metro police). However, these salaries do not include the 13th cheque paid in December and also do not include benefits like pension contributions by the employer. While employees within the T1 salary band, which includes general workers and kitchen attendants, get a minimum of R11,965 per month, that may increase to R13,984. Artisan assistants, assistant operators, chain saw operators, coal truck checkers and crematorium operators, who are in the next salary bracket, earn up to R15,024 per month, plus the 13th cheque and benefits. According to the BMR, 76% of adults in Gauteng earn less than R7,400 per month. Gerhard Papenfus of employer organisation Neasa says these salaries far exceed remuneration in the private sector even though productivity in the municipality is much lower. “Many businesses battle to pay minimum wages of around R5,000 per month for general workers. Those who are experienced can earn up to R8,000,” he pointed out.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Moneyweb
- Lees ook, Tshwane-staking: Kla werkers met witbrood onder arm? by Maroela Media
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