OUTA KZN reiterates call for full disclosure despite agreement being reached in eThekwini strike

The Organisation for Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) KZN notes that a tentative agreement has been reached between the eThekwini Metro’s leadership and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU).

In a joint statement released by both unions and the city late on Tuesday evening, 7 May 2019, it was stated city staff would return to work, disciplinary processes would proceed immediately against perpetrators involved in the wildcat strike and the “employer is also committed to improve the conditions of employees in lower levels especially those in Grade 03 and Grade 04”.

While this is a move in the right direction, OUTA KZN reiterates its call on the city to make a full disclosure of the facts surrounding the alleged compromised appointment process that led to the illegal, violent and costly strike by municipal employees. 

It has been alleged that the city circumvented its own recruitment process to fast-track the appointment of selected people.

This included raising their salaries from approximately R9000 to R20,000 by changing their salary grade from Grade 4 to Grade 10.  

OUTA KZN provincial manager Tim Tyrrell said any agreement reached with the workers would need to be closely monitored.

“Before any changes are made to the conditions of workers in the lower grades, we need to fully understand the reasons for the protest. This can only be achieved through a full and public disclosure of documents detailing the appointment of individuals that the workers and unions felt were irregular and unfair.”

“The illegal strike led to water infrastructure being sabotaged, trash not being collected for nearly two weeks, the disruption of waste management at city landfills as well as main roads being blocked. The toll this had on businesses and families would have been massive. On this alone the public has a right to know all the facts,” said Tyrrell.