Samwu set to down tools at Rand Water, threatens to disrupt water supply
Some employees at Rand Water are expected to down tools on Wednesday.
It's understood workers affiliated to the South African Municipal Worker's Union (Samwu) are unhappy that the water utility changed conditions of employment without prior consultations.
Disgruntled workers are set to meet at the Glenvista offices, south of Johannesburg, in a call for their dispute to be resolved.
The matter is also before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"Samwu has successfully referred a dispute to the CCMA regarding the unilateral change of conditions of employment and service for workers at Rand Water as communicated by the employer to workers on the 31st of March 2021," the union said in a statement.
"The employer has already been informed of our intentions to go on strike from the 21st April. Despite the CCMA ruling in the union's favour the employer has decided that they will not comply with the order."
According to the union, their salary and benefit grievances have fallen on deaf ears.
"An ultimatum has already been given to the employer to immediately reverse this anti-worker practice and restore all terms and conditions of employment, including incentive bonuses.
“Our attempts to engage the employer was also that we ensure that there is labour stability at the water board.
"It however seems as though the union has been talking to people who are not interested in seeing residents and businesses having uninterrupted water supply.
The union further warns that water supply could be disrupted if Rand Water fails to come to the table.
“The decision that we have taken as Samwu to go on strike is a painful one as we know that taps will definitely run dry in all areas that are serviced by Rand Water. However, this is a noble, justifiable and well within our rights.
"We however as a trade union will not allow the employer to bully workers by unilaterally changing employees' conditions of service without any consultation whatsoever. Our members and their interests come first," the union added.
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But Rand Water spokesperson Justice Mohale has denied claims of a breakdown in communication on their part.
“I must tell you that the organisation has written twice or three time to the leadership of the union to inform them of the organisation’s current position and they were supposed to cascade it down to their members,” he explained.
Mohale added he’s confident there won’t be disruptions if the strike goes ahead.
“There won’t be disruptions in terms of the supply of the water because we do have essential services employees.
“It means whatever will happen those ones will be working in terms of water purification, controlling the systems, they will be there working and they’ll be doing the work. That’s why I say that part of the organsiation will not be affected.”
Listen to Justice Mohale below: