City and organised labour chart new way forward

10 November 2017

 

After months of behind the scenes deliberations, the City of Johannesburg is happy to announce that it held a highly productive Local Labour Forum (LLF) with its stakeholders on Tuesday 7 November 2017. 

 

The purpose of the forum, which is one of the key platforms that allow for the smooth administration of the City, is to consult with organised labour on all matters of mutual interest between Joburg and its employees.

Since the Democratic Alliance-led administration took over in August 2016, there have not been any formal forums held as a result of differences between labour unions and the City of Joburg. Numerous attempts to have this forum sit collapsed in the past.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Group Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Joburg, Cllr Ntombi Khumalo this week congratulated all parties after the forum successfully concluded its first formal deliberations.

“This will pave the way for smooth negotiations or consultation with organised labour on all matters of mutual interest between the City and its employees. We are delighted to report that the LLF proceeded successfully without any disruption.

“We are encouraged by the positive attitude and commitment shown by all members of the forum and the camaraderie spirit displayed in the meeting,” said MMC Khumalo.

This week’s meeting considered the terms of reference of the Labour Expediting Forum. This body was initiated as an alternative platform to consider urgent matters pending the resolution of the dispute among the SAMWU members.

Following the work of a task team that worked on these terms of reference, the meeting unanimously adopted the draft references.

“This is a positive development for the City and all its employees as this would help us speedily to address some of the long pending issues affecting our employees,” said MMC Khumalo.

The forum also resolved to urgently hold a Labour Lekgotla that will be attended by all parties represented in the forum, including representatives from all the City’s entities. The Lekgotla will, among others, provide a platform for labour to share their perspectives and expectations around the issue of the reintegration of municipal entities.

“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the labour representatives for their commitment and dedication to address the plight of the employees. We would like to reiterate our commitment to engage honestly, openly and robustly with labour on the processes the city is initiating to improve service delivery to the citizens of Johannesburg,” concluded MMC Khumalo.