CCMA Initiates Discussions with Tshwane Amidst Impending Staff Dismissals

The CCMA has decided to step in and mediate the ongoing dispute between the City of Tshwane and its staff, aiming to expedite the resolution of a salary dispute that began on July 24. This intervention comes as the city threatens to dismiss more employees to revive service delivery, which has suffered significantly due to the prolonged dispute.

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Tshwane’s financial woes can be traced back to disagreements over salary increases. The city initially promised a 3.5% and 5.4% salary increase for the years 2021 and 2022 but later reneged on this commitment. The municipal workers’ union Samwu and Imatu have been at odds with the city over these increases, while Tshwane claimed that implementing the raises would lead to financial bankruptcy.

In an attempt to gain an exemption from paying these increased salaries, Tshwane sought relief, but this request was denied. The matter has since moved to the labour court for further deliberation.

This dispute has resulted in unlawful protests and disruptions, including violence and damage to the city’s vehicle fleet and infrastructure. Revenue collection targets have not been met, dropping from 82.02% in July to 76.08% in August.

The CCMA has now intervened to facilitate dialogue and reach a reasonable and implementable resolution. This S150 public interest intervention provides all parties with an equal opportunity to make submissions and negotiate a potential deal.

According to Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba, the city plans to dismiss employees who are impeding service delivery, and they are in the process of quantifying the losses resulting from the strike.

Tshwane is currently working to fill the vacancies created by the dismissals, as they aim to jumpstart service delivery operations without compromising due to a lack of human resources. This process is underway and has garnered some political opposition.

The involvement of the CCMA in the negotiation process aims to bring an end to the protracted stalemate and restore stability to Tshwane. The CCMA aims to help both parties find a reasonable and workable resolution. The ongoing intervention process seeks to expedite the dispute’s resolution by fostering a continuing dialogue among the stakeholders involved.

Source: CCMA engages Tshwane as more dismissals loom

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Photo: Supplied by Citizen