A notice to strike has been served to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) by the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) explained JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers.
“The strike is a result of a dispute on three main matters, out of an original 15, that Management and Samwu have not been able to reach consensus. These include a demand for the introduction of a pay progression system in the JRA starting with a once-off structural adjustment of salaries of all employees on Levels 6– 9; a demand for the increase in the locomotion allowance for inspectors from R4 500 to R8 500; and the removal of one depot manager in Region F where there are currently two depot managers assigned to the full region and Inner City respectively.”
She explained that the Board and Management are of the view that these three issues do not justify strike action as Management has provided viable processes that are currently underway to address concerns in these areas. She added, “Management views the demands in a serious light and is committed to reaching consensus with Samwu on the processes that will resolve the current impasse.”
Managing Director at JRA, Skhumbuzo Macozoma said, “We have created an environment that is conducive to progressive engagements within the JRA and there is absolutely no need for us to have an adversarial relationship with Organised Labour.”
“We would like to get back to the negotiation table with Samwu as soon as possible, this time seeking assistance from both the JRA Board and the City of Johannesburg in order to find speedy resolution.”
According to Macozoma, JRA and SAMWU have agreed that the strike will be peaceful and controlled and that workers who do not want to strike will not be intimidated and company resources will not be abused by striking workers.
“The JRA has put a strike management plan in place and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to all stakeholders as required,” concluded Peters-Scheepers.
