The two municipal workers’ unions in Tshwane are expected to restart CCMA-led wage negotiations with the City of Tshwane this week for a proposed 3.5% increase for the 2021/2022 financial year.
Both the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) will participate in the fresh negotiations following the recent Labour Court’s May 9 ruling, which sent the matter back to the South African Local Government Bargaining Council for a new determination.
The court, however, exempted the City from implementing the 5.4% salary increase for the 2023/2024 financial year that was agreed upon in collective negotiations.
The City went to court two years ago after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council.
The unions met with Executive Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, on Friday to discuss the recent court ruling on the City’s exemption applications regarding agreed-upon wage increases
The parties issued a joint statement, describing their meeting as constructive and solution-focused.
“All parties acknowledged the strain the ongoing wage dispute has placed on municipal employees. The City reaffirmed its appreciation for the dedication of its workforce and its commitment to working collaboratively with organised labour to find a fair and sustainable resolution,” they said.
The parties agreed to invoke Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act and engage in a CCMA-facilitated mediation to resolve the 3.5% salary increase dispute, believing it offers the best chance for a mutually beneficial outcome.
Both Imatu and Samwu agreed to participate in the mediation in good faith but expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling on the 5.4% increase, reserving their right to appeal the judgment after consulting with their members.
“The City, Imatu and Samwu remain committed to ongoing dialogue and will continue to explore all avenues that advance the interests of municipal employees, ensure service delivery, and serve the residents of Tshwane,” the three parties said.
Imatu’s regional manager Lynette Burns-Coetzee said in a television interview that municipal workers are demoralised and angry over the court’s ruling against them regarding the 5.4% salary increases.
However, she said, all parties are eager to move forward with a CCMA-facilitated mediation process.
“We might appeal the ruling to the Labour Appeal Court. We might even take it as far as the Constitutional Court. I am not speaking for Samwu but I know it has been in the media saying exactly the same thing,” she said.
Burns-Coetzee said the CCMA will mediate discussions on the 3.5% dispute, aiming to bypass lengthy procedures and reach a settlement that can be made a court order.
She said the 3.5% dispute being sent back to the bargaining council means starting from scratch, potentially leading to further reviews and prolonging the process by up to three years – a scenario all parties want to avoid.
Samwu has criticised the court judgment, arguing it represents a concerning trend of judicial interference in collective bargaining, undermines worker protections, and weakens unions’ ability to effectively represent members.
Imatu noted in a media statement that Tshwane Mayor announced in April 2025 that the city’s cash reserves are expected to reach R2.86 billion in the 2025/26 financial year.
Samwu regional secretary, Donald Monakhisi, argued that with the City’s reported cash reserves, there is no justification for delaying outstanding salary increases.
