The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has slammed the City of Ekurhuleni’s decision to cut overtime and acting allowances by 50% while introducing contracted services to address service delivery challenges.
The metro revealed the plans in their latest budget last week, saying that the move is an effort to improve service delivery.
The City said it had spent more than R88 million on overtime in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, rising to over R95 million in the second quarter—an increase of R7 million.
MMC for Finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi said the City was in a bad financial state and needed to cut costs.
However, Tshephang Langa, Regional Secretary of SAMWU, criticised the move as a direct affront to municipal workers and the communities they serve, asserting that it serves more as a vehicle for political patronage than a genuine effort to improve services.
Langa argued that the City’s claims of overtime abuse among municipal employees are merely a pretext to justify this drastic measure.
SAMWU also slammed the City’s failure to engage through the legislated Local Labour Forum (LLF) before implementing these changes.
Langa stressed that a responsible employer would have sought dialogue with organised labour to explore alternatives and mitigate impacts.
Expressing deep concern, SAMWU warned that the City’s shift towards outsourcing municipal services not only jeopardises job security but also risks compromising service quality for Ekurhuleni residents.
“As workers and residents of Ekurhuleni, SAMWU stands resolute against the handing over of municipal functions to external contractors. We will actively engage our membership to safeguard the rights of municipal workers and protect community interests through all available legal avenues,” said Langa.
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