The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) along with parties in the Amanzi Bargaining Council (ABC) have concluded salary and wage negotiations for employees in the water sector. The salary and wage negotiations began in May 2023, in anticipation of the lapse of the agreement concluded last year.
The agreement, which is effective from 1 July 2023, includes the following;
1. A single year agreement.
2. A 7% across the board salary increase for all employees within the bargaining scope.
3. R3500 housing allowance for all employees.
4. 5 days long service leave for each 5 years of service.
5. Determination of the bargaining unit which shall include all employees on who are on C5 and below, or an equivalent level.
6. That all Water Boards shall conduct a benchmarking exercise within three months of signing this agreement.
7. The following items have been deferred to plant level and shall be concluded within three months of signing this agreement.
7.1. 1st Aid/Firefighting/SHEQ allowance
7.2. Annual leave
7.3. Cell/data allowance
7.4. Funeral transport
7.5. Maternity leave
7.6. Meal allowance
7.7. Overtime/statutory overtime
7.8. Parental leave
7.9. Pay progression
7.10. Retirement functions
7.11. Tool allowance
SAMWU thanks its members in the water sector for the patience and confidence they showed in the Union and the negotiation team to conclude these negotiations.
Issued by SAMWU Secretariat Dumisane Magagula, General Secretary, (076 580 4029), Nkhetheni Muthavhi, Deputy General Secretary, (082 526 5224) or Papikie Mohale, National Media Officer, (073 710 0356).