GEORGE NEWS - Samwu is claiming victory for the permanent employment of 300 casual workers at the George Municipality.
In a statement last week, George Samwu chairperson Sandile Lingali, said, "The rolling mass action over the past year has eventually borne fruits.
"Our sustained pressure led to the George Council approving a resolution on Thursday 29 June to appoint all temporary staff to permanent positions from 1 July."
When the process stalled, the matter was taken for arbitration.
Wednesday 22 November saw the finalisation of the dispute to permanently employ approximately 300 employees.
"There are still a few employees that were excluded from the permanent appointments and we are advising Council's administration to refer the matter to Council so that Council can resolve to appoint the balance of the employees," said Lingali.
Chantel Edwards-Klose, spokesperson for the George Municipality, said that 152 temporary employees have been employed permanently in line with a council resolution.
"A provision in the budget has provided that the total cost to Council including benefits are budgeted for.
"Any adjustments that need to be made within the budget by the respective directorates will be accommodated when the adjustment budget is tabled.
Wednesday 22 November saw the finalisation of the dispute to permanently employ approximately 300 employees.
"The George Municipality is finalising the administrative process relevant to the appointment of 28 temporary employees permanently through a settlement agreement and arbitration processes. Further to this, all other relevant discrepancies will be handled administratively."
Edwards-Klose added, "Not all of the temporary employees who were permanently appointed were Samwu members, as there are also members of Imatu that benefited from the employment arrangement."
Samwu is calling on the municipality to revisit the tuned assessment of skills and attitudes (Task) evaluation, which assesses job grading and salaries.
"If Task is dealt with, it will promote a healthy working environment and boost staff morale," said Lingali.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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