The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in Mahikeng in the North West has urged all striking employees to immediately return to work to allow the restoration of essential services to communities without further interruption as negotiations with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) continues to resolve their grievances in the municipality.
It is reported that some municipal workers abandoned work and embarked on an industrial action which commenced on Monday, blocking the entrance of the municipality with the water trucks,
Executive Mayor, Khumalo Molefe, who was speaking on YOUFM Newshour, said that the municipality is aware of the concerns raised by the disgruntled workers including the long-standing issue of leave encashment which he indicated is ordinarily discussed at the local labour forum and not at the level of individual municipalities.
“Firstly, this is an unprotected strike, secondly, we must be very clear these are issues of mutual interest in terms of the Labour Relation Act. All such issues are regulated in terms of the collective bargaining agreement, in other words they can’t just be discussed in a street through memorandums.
“They must be discussed in the Local Labour Forum (LLF) where parties agree, and if they disagree each party has a right to declare a dispute or exercise its right in terms of the collective bargaining agreement or in terms of the Labour Relations Act,” said Molefe.
The municipality said that it will not open a parallel negotiation, which is usually resolved at the LLF.
The mayor encouraged the disgruntled employees to approach the forum, raise their issue, and await a decision and if there’s still no agreement, then they can declare a dispute and apply for a certificate and embark on a protected strike.
Molefe said that the Municipality has already undertaken to address the leave encashment issue, following due processes.
“We have made a commitment as the employer on leave encashment, it has gone through the LLF procedure, it will now go through the portfolio committee tomorrow (Thursday), and it will be returned to the mayoral committee and eventually to the council. It has followed due process, and that is how an institution is run where there’s law and order.
“But you can’t intimidate, we can’t wake up with trucks blocking the entrance to the municipality, those who do that must be held accountable by the employer. They must be given a platform to explain their actions individually and collectively,” Molefe explained.
Furthermore, the mayor said they have engaged trade unions representing striking workers to find an amicable and lawful resolution to the issues raised.
He emphasised that the municipality says it remains committed to open dialogue, fair labour practices, and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to communities.
