223 municipal workers to be reinstated

THE SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and Cosatu have welcomed the reinstatement of 223 Newcastle Municipality workers who were dismissed almost three years ago.

This follows an order handed down by the Labour Court in Durban after Samwu and Newcastle Municipality resolved to settle the matter.

The workers were dismissed in November 2019 due to strike action.

In terms of the agreement, all 223 workers who were dismissed must be reinstated as of October 1 under the condition that “the respondent (municipality) is to pay each applicant retrospective pay of 12 months which is staggered over a period of 12 months, starting from this coming December.

“The payments will be done in portions of three months”.

Samwu chairperson in KZN Sthembiso Dlamini said investigations had revealed that only 61 of the 223 workers who were dismissed had been at work on the day of the strike in 2019.

Dlamini said some workers were on maternity leave and sick leave.

KZN Cosatu provincial secretary Edwin Mkhize said the workers were accused of throwing a stone at then Newcastle mayor Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba during a protest.

“It was obvious that 223 people cannot all throw one stone and all face dismissal.”

The unions also revealed that eight of the 223 workers who were dismissed had since passed away.

“We also pass our condolences to the families of the eight deceased members. They must rest assured that the unions will continue to defend and advance their rights which they stood for.”

Dlamini said they would ensure that the families of the deceased would be compensated accordingly.

Mkhize said: “As Cosatu and Samwu, we are happy. We further extend our appreciation to the South African Communist Party in the province which has worked with us since the beginning of this journey.

“It is important to thank communities and families of these workers who have always showed sympathy and raised their voice against this unwarranted situation faced by our members. Workers are also appreciated for their spirit of no surrender and unity they showed during this difficult time.”

Mkhize called on the workers to prioritise service delivery.

Jabu Mokoena, who was a library assistant, said she was happy she would be returning to work, “even though not all months will be paid back but it’s not the same as sitting at home”.

She said: “I was renting and was working towards purchasing property. When I lost my job, I also lost that opportunity. I lost my car and my children had to move schools as I couldn’t afford (to pay the fees).”

Newcastle Municipality municipal manager Zamani Mcineka confirmed that a settlement agreement was reached and the workers would be reinstated.

He said the mayor Xolani Dube would hold a media briefing next week to address the issue.