Staff Reporter
The City of Tshwane has escalated its wage dispute with workers to the Labour Court after failing to reach an agreement on salary increases.
Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya told reporters on Tuesday that the dispute stems from a backlog inherited from the previous administration, which was unable to implement the increases stipulated by a collective agreement.
She explained that the city’s severe financial constraints have forced tough decisions regarding wage adjustments under the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) collective agreement.
“We appeared before the Labour Court on November 21 and 22 to review the dismissal of our applications for exemption from the 3.5% and 5.4% increases for the first and third years of the agreement, respectively,” Moya said.
“These decisions failed to consider the city’s financial challenges and their implications for service delivery.”
The city has requested the court to appoint a new panellist to reassess the 3.5% increase and substitute the panellist’s decision on the 5.4% increase based on new evidence. Judgment in both matters has been reserved.
Moya noted that the city had sought a resolution through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA).
While the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) remains open to dialogue, the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) withdrew from negotiations.
Cilliers Brink, DA Tshwane Caucus Leader, criticised the ANC-led coalition’s handling of the matter: “Reality has hit home for the ANC-led coalition as they fight in court to avoid paying historical salary increases …‘Just pay the workers’ was a familiar attack on me and my colleagues when we were making difficult decisions about the city’s financial recovery, despite the ANC and ActionSA voting against the increases.”
“The City of Tshwane has now escalated its wage dispute with workers to the Labour Court after failing to reach an agreement on salary increases. Mayor Nasiphi Moya stated that the dispute stems from a backlog inherited from the previous administration, which was unable to implement the increases stipulated by a collective agreement.”
Brink argued that forgoing the increases is crucial for Tshwane’s financial recovery, including settling its Eskom debt.
He accused the ANC of raising workers’ expectations about the increases only to reverse course once in power.
“In 2023, both the ANC and ActionSA voted to forgo salary increases but later weaponised the issue against my administration. Now, Mayor Moya insists the increases will be paid, despite the city’s dire financial state,” Brink said.
Moya said the city’s commitment to balancing financial stability with service delivery.
“We remain open to engaging with unions and other stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions. However, our aim is to find a mutually beneficial agreement that allows us to support workers while balancing the need to ensure the financial stability of the city,” she said.
Judgment on the wage dispute has been postponed.
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