By Lungile Ntimba
Hundreds of South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) embarked on protected strike action at the uMhlathuze Local Municipality on Tuesday, citing various grievances.
These include delayed pay and allegations that the municipality has not fulfilled its commitment to settle overtime payments owed to workers from the previous month.
Since 2019, the union has repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate occupational safety standards and the insufficient provision of protective gear, which have reportedly gone unresolved.
SAMWU members held a peaceful march from the ZCBF grounds to the City of uMhlathuze offices in Richards Bay.
The protest culminated in the handing over of a memorandum of demands, received by uMhlathuze Chief Operating Officer (COO) Thembeka Khumalo.
The municipality has been given until Friday at 4pm to formally respond.
Key grievances also included inadequate safety and security measures for employees, non-compliance with PPE requirements, unfair labour practices, failure to fill vacant
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