SAMWU,+Proposal+being+considered+by+members

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union
=MEDIATOR’S PROPOSAL BEING CONSIDERED TO AVOID NATIONAL WAGE STRIKE=


 * 14 June 2006**

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union is considering a proposal by the facilitator aimed at averting a strike in the municipal sector that could involve 200 000 workers.

Samwu members will be considering the following proposal:


 * An increase of 6% effective 1 July 2006.
 * A further increase of 2% effective 1 January 2007.
 * The minimum wage to increase to R2850 and to R2907 on 1 January 2007.
 * An increase effective 1 July 2007 equal to CPIX + 1.75%.
 * An increase effective 1 July 2008 equal to CPIX + 1.5%.

“Every worker is struggling to make ends meet. Our members are heavily indebted to ensure there is bread on the table. Job grading has not happened despite an agreement to implement new grades by January 2005. We believe that the proposal will go some way in addressing these problems,” said SAMWU negotiator Dale Forbes.

Members are to respond to the proposal by 7 July 2006.

If members reject the proposal, it is most likely that a national strike will ensue. The strike will be a protected strike. Striking workers cannot be disciplined or dismissed. The union has negotiated Minimum Service Level agreements that will ensure that essential services are carried out for the duration of the strike and that the community is not harmed during the course of the strike

­.../ends


 * For comment call Dale Forbes on 083 6512959**

251 words