Samwu spokesman Papikie Mohale denied the union leadership was trying to influence workers not to strike. File photo
Leaders of the SA Municipal Workers' Union are between a rock and a hard place.
Workers on the ground are pushing for an all-out strike to force employers to yield to their wage demand, but union leaders are said to be under pressure to avoid this.
Samwu insiders said the leadership had considered the disastrous political implications of a strike.
"As leaders we feel that the strike will harm the party [ANC] campaign for next year's local government elections," said an insider. Samwu is an affiliate of Cosatu, which is in alliance with the ANC.
He said workers in various regions had rejected the latest offer presented by a facilitator. "They want to force the employer to consider their demands [by taking to] the streets."
Samwu spokesman Papikie Mohale denied the union leadership was trying to influence workers not to strike.
"But you must remember that a strike is very expensive. Our members lose money because they do not get paid when on a strike.
"That does not mean we will be bullied to sign an agreement that will not benefit our members," said Mohale.
He said Samwu leaders were not discouraging a strike to protect the ANC: "We are not a political organisation but a trade union. We are not [contesting] elections next year. It is the government going to elections and that has nothing to do with us. It would, therefore, be mischievous to link Samwu and next year's elections," Mohale said.
Samwu failed to meet last week's deadline to respond to the facilitator's offer of 7% at the SA Local Government Bargaining Council.
Mohale said Samwu had requested an extension to respond so that it could consult workers further.
"Talk of the union having rejected or accepted the facilitator's proposal is therefore premature."
The other municipal workers' union, Imatu (the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union), said it would accept the 7% offer on condition that all stakeholders agreed to it.
"If the facilitator's proposal is not accepted by all the parties, Imatu will withdraw its acceptance and revert to its position prior to the proposal," said the union's secretary, Johan Koen.
Samwu is demanding an increase of 15% or R4000 for all employees.
The SA Local Government Association, representing municipal employers, has also endorsed the facilitator's proposal.
Should workers embark on a strike services such as waste removals, road repairs, fixing of burst pipes, and maintenance of parks and street lights would be affected
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