COSATU Free State congratulates SAMWU Matjhabeng for their resilience during the strike.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Free State welcomes the maturity displayed by SAMWU Matjhabeng Municipality throughout the 10-week industrial action.

The strike was subsequent to a formal dispute that was reached in the Local Labour Forum between SAMWU Matjhabeng and Matjhabeng Municipality as the employer. The process of mediation went ahead without progress resulting in the issuing of the certificate of non-resolution.

During the protest, the employer attempted every trick in the book to end the strike, including the arbitrary and unlawful implementation of deductions from the salaries of workers. The Executive Mayor also failed to discredit the strike. Workers continued despite the undue hunger they were subjected to by the Municipality.

The strike has been officially suspended to allow engagements to take place. This has been done despite the misinformation campaign that was launched against SAMWU leadership in Matjhabeng to the effect that the strike was political. SAMWU members and their leadership took a progressive decision to offer the municipality an opportunity to reach common ground. Such a gesture has been ruled out by rumour mongers that the strike was being catalysed by 'dark forces' and was not the brainchild of SAMWU members.

COSATU Free State congratulates SAMWU members and their leadership who collectively remained resolute against all odds. We believe that this strike will serve as a beacon of hope to all workers who continue to be ill treated by their employers across all the sectors. Not only in the municipal or public sector, but also in the private sector.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Monyatso Mahlatsi(Provincial Secretary)

Enquiries on 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923