Following a series of talks that dragged daily until the early hours of the morning, the city has decided to take the grievances of workers who want to be elevated to grade 10 to the central bargaining council to deliberate on the matter and make a ruling.

 

Legally, eThekwini does not have a jurisdiction on the matter because the bargaining council is a legitimate forum to handle this matter. City Manager Sipho Nzuza, is appealing to workers to resume their duties with immediate effect and refrain from resorting to violent means in the event of a dispute with the employer.

 

“After lengthy consultations between us and the union representatives we have decided to refer the matter to the central bargaining council for further negotiations and determination. Discussions at bargaining council will commenced on Monday and are expected to be concluded in 30 days. We urge our employees to desist from violent strikes that cripples the operations of the city. Recently we had to spend a lot resources and money to clean up the mess that was left behind by our workers in the central business district,” said Nzuza.

 

The city would like to apologise again to all residents whose access to our basic services was disrupted. A principle of a work no pay will apply and workers could face disciplinary action as the city obtained an interdict making it unlawful to participate in this strike.

 

EThekwini will always be committed to consult organised labour in compliance with the labour relations prescripts.

 

Media Enquiries Msawakhe Mayisela 0609664220

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.

 

For more information contact 031 311 4820/18.