On Wednesday, 12 October, the employees of the former Westonaria Local Municipality went on strike and the Herald was on scene to investigate what it was all about.
The strike seemed peaceful and the Westonaria Police were keeping an eye on the situation. Employees were dancing and blowing whistles and they had burned something unknown, leaving only a pile of ashes on the paving.
The Herald spoke to various employees who stated they were striking because they’re unhappy about the fact that Rand West City Local Municipality (former Randfontein Local Municipality)’s employees earn more than they do. According to them, employees in the same types of posts earn much more in Randfontein.
Tshidiso Thlaripe, spokesperson for the Executive Mayor, Mzi Khumalo, released the following statement:
“The Rand West City Local Municipality has noted the recent demonstrations by employees of the municipality. The employees who are demonstrating are former Westonaria Local Municipality. The gripe of the employees is the salary disparity that exists between the former employees of the Randfontein and Westonaria Local Municipalities.”
He said further the actual fact is that the former Randfontein Local Municipality was a Category 4 municipality while Westonaria Local Municipality was a Category 3 municipality.
“It was inevitable that the salary disparity would exist. As such, the newly established Rand West City Local Municipality inherited a salary disparity entity.”
Thlaripe added the Rand West City Local Municipality is undertaking a process where the following must be addressed:
1. The adoption of the organisational structure by the Council;
2. The evaluation and grading of positions, and lastly;
3. The match and place process in the new organogram.
“We are advising employees to observe this process and allow a peaceful space for this exercise to fruitfully be finalised. All residents who are affected by the strike are advised to utilise Spar, Shoprite, the Post Office and Checkers for purchasing of electricity and payment of services.”
Thlaripe says municipality management and political leadership are working hard to resolve all the grievances raised by employees.
“The political leadership of the municipality will not tolerate any acts of anarchy and are advising the employees to peacefully protest within the parameters of the law,” said Thlaripe.
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