SAMWU strike against one-sided transfer of services

By Tina George
30 July 2007

All members of the South African Municipal Workers Union in Mpumalanga Province will take action should the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) fail to meet their demands at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) conciliation to stop the transfer of Primary Health Care services to the Provincial Government.

This decision follows the one-sided decision of SALGA to transfer this service to the Provincial Government without consultation.

“You cannot change the condition of services of members without consultation with the union they should have considered the provincial of health act and the constitution but SALGA is not willing to engage with SAMWU on this particular issue,” says Provincial Secretary, John Nhlapo.

“Should we fail to resolve this issue or SALGA refuse to stop the process, consult properly and until we have reached an agreement then we are going to go ahead with the strike,” says Nhlapo

The union appeals to all members of SAMWU, COSATU affiliates, SACP, ANC, SANCO and all progressive forces including communities to participate in this action as the transfer will have a negative impact on the conditions of service of SAMWU members and service delivery to the communities.