SUCCESSFUL MASS ACTION AROUND THE COUNTRY

“…the march which attracted about 2000 participants went off reasonably well and a signed copy of the attached strike memorandum tailored to suit our Region, was handed over to the eThekwini Deputy Mayor at the “closing ceremony”.” Dave Rodgers Regional Manager of the eThekwini/KZN Region after yesterday’s successful mass action in the city.

Today sees the members of IMATU taking to the streets of Cape Town.

They will deliver the following memorandum to the municiaplity:

“IMATU submits that SALGA’s arrogance in the negotiating process is the direct result of the wage and salary deadlock and subsequent strike action.

IMATU members are in general reluctant to revert to industrial action; it is always reserved as the last resort.

The SALGBC attempted a bona fide mediation process over the last two days but instead, SALGA has not contributed to settle the dispute. IMATU has made a significant adaption by lowering our demand from 18% to 10%.  IMATU requested SALGA to submit a better offer than the 6, 08%, which we were willing to take to our members in an attempt to settle the matter and in so, act in the interest of all.

SALGA ignored our proposal.

Cape Town City is currently advertising the City Manager post for R1.5 million rand per annum and approved salary increases of more than 7% to its Councillors.  “Affordability” is obviously not a problem for this employer.

 Currently, food inflation is well over 8% of CPI and viewed together with the rise in municipal fees and exuberant increases in fuel prices, our willingness to lower our demand can be justified and is more than realistic.

 Our members have always rendered municipal services whilst other unions have taken to the streets. They have now lost their patience and they are voicing their dismay with the irresponsible actions of SALGA. IMATU will however never revert to violence and irresponsibility during strike action.

 IMATU members, whilst exercising their constitutional right to strike, appeals to the community of the City of Cape Town to demand responsibility from their Councillors and the municipal employers’ organisation SALGA, to return to the negotiating table with a sensible and fair wage and salary offer.”