Still no deal in Samwu, Salga wage talks
The SA Municipal Workers Union says it's losing all hope that wage negotiations with local government will be resolved successfully.
This as the third round of talks concluded without an agreement being reached.
The next round of negotiations are set for April. SAMWU is demanding a 10% pay hike across the board and for benefits to be adjusted according to the salary demand.
Local Government Association, SALGA's offering 5.9%. SAMWU says it now depends on how successful the next round of talks go in terms of avoiding a national strike.
"What we have observed is the attitude and the conduct of the negotiating officials from Salga. It will not take us anywhere. We do not foresee any favourable agreement in this regard because of their conduct and attitude," SALGA's Sabelo Gwala said.
Gwala believes their current offer is reasonable, considering the current economic climate.
"The Auditor General said that a number of municipalities were facing challenges - meaning if you were assessing them in terms of assets versus liabilities, it was questionable whether they were not in dire financial constraints," Gwala said.