A number of municipal shift workers from various departments have been waiting for their overtime payment since 25 July. Over 80 people have been affected.
John* is a public hall caretaker who said he had worked on weekends and public holidays and was promised overtime payment by his supervisor.
A number of municipal shift workers from various departments have been waiting for their overtime payment since 25 July. Over 80 people have been affected.
John* is a public hall caretaker who said he had worked on weekends and public holidays and was promised overtime payment by his supervisor.
“I was promised R185 for each day I worked overtime and I have budgeted for the money,” he added.
Victor*, a water purifier said: “I have been working here for more than 20 years and this had never happened to me when the previous government was in charge. We used to get our money as agreed.”
Victor said that the affected workers have been going to the Human Resources department for two weeks to enquire about their money, but they are not getting a reason for what is causing the delay.
The workers say if they do not get paid they will refuse to work overtime again, which could lead to more water problems and tap water that will be dirtier because most of these workers are from the water works.
A reliable source, who did not want to be named, said that the workers know that the agreement is to work overtime for four days in a row and then take four days off.
“If their four days of working falls on weekends or on a public holiday it is not regarded as overtime. It is only overtime if they stand in for someone that is supposed to work but can’t make it for that shift,” the source explained.
Municipal spokesperson Thandy Matebese said that all overtime claims are handled in accordance with the municipality’s overtime policy and there are internal channels where municipal employees can voice their concerns or grievances.
He concluded that remuneration matters are between the employer and employee and that the municipality would not like to discuss this with the media.
* These names have been changed to protect the identity of the people involved
