City, unions set to work together

MONTHS of behind-the-scenes talks have culminated in the signing of new terms of reference between the City of Johannesburg and organised labour last week.

The signing of the amended terms of reference of the Local Labour Forum (LLF), which is composed of the city, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), followed a resolution of the meeting on September 7.

The terms of reference bind the city, Imatu and Samwu to harmonious and solution-driven working relations. The three parties also committed to objectively and robustly deal with all matters that affect city employees. They also pledged to work towards improved and better delivery of services to residents.

Group corporate and shared services MMC Loyiso Masuku, who chaired the signing ceremony, said it was a significant event which outlined the city’s intent to put the interest of employees and residents first.

“The city is an employee-centric employer and the interests of its employees are important. The new terms of reference are expected to positively impact productivity and delivery of services to residents,” Masuku said.

Employee relations and development director John Mobe said the signing was long overdue.

“I think we can all agree this is a momentous occasion because as labour relations and trade unions, our employment relationship by its nature is founded on conflict. For us to deal with conflict we definitely require structures like the LLF,” said Mobe.

He said it was because of the LLF that the transformational agenda could be achieved and the signing of these terms and conditions was a step in the right direction.

“It’s a big commitment to us as labour and also the city because our employees are our most valuable assets and a priority to the city of Johannesburg.

“Remember, as an organisation that is formed in terms of the Constitution, we have a constitutional obligation to ensure that certain sections in the Bill of Rights are advanced,” he said.

“If there wasn’t any conflict I was going to be worried. This means that the engagements are genuine and robust and they are for the benefit of the employees. When we put our heads together, we can agree that we are indeed committed to stability for the sake of our employees.

“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to correct where we are wrong because we are not perfect. As the employer, there will be errors, but together we are on the right track,” said Mobe.