Pretoria - Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, has appealed to Rand Water and the unions to work towards an amicable solution to resolve their differences.
The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU), which is the majority union at Rand Water, demanded a 10 percent increase for lowest paid workers, nine percent for middle income workers and eight percent for supervisors.
The union also demanded a 12 percent incentive bonus and R2 150 housing allowance across the board. Rand Water offered a six percent wage increase.
Whilst this is an operational matter, the department noted that the Minister had to be brought up to speed on what the issues are and offer advice as the political head responsible for the operations of water boards.
Minister Mokonyane has implored Rand Water and the unions to work towards an amicable solution that will ensure that there is no negative impact on all stakeholders and communities served by Rand Water.
She further directed Rand Water to meet with other Water Services Authorities to craft a joint intervention plan that will ensure that in case the strike action occurs, there will be minimal impact on Rand Water clients.
“Rand Water will as part of the intervention plan need to engage with all affected stakeholders and communities to advise them of any and all interim measures that will be put in place to ensure delivery of water continues uninterrupted,” the Minister said.
The Ministry said it hopes that as discussions continue, sanity will prevail and there will be minimal if any disruptions. – SAnews.gov.za
