Note to Editors: Please find an English and Afrikaans soundbite by Ald Cilliers Brink here and here
The City of Tshwane has won its case in the Labour Court against paying the 2023 salary increases.
The council’s decision to apply for exemption was very difficult, and was not made to spite or punish employees.
The exemption application was essential to the financial rescue mission in Tshwane, and improving service delivery and value for money for residents.
Residents had to endure a three month violent, unprotected strike, including the assault and intimidation of employees, sabotage of infrastructure, and the burning of waste trucks.
The DA and our coalition partners came under intense pressure to cave to union demands, including by ActionSA, then still in our coalition.
But standing our ground was worth it:
- The R600 million the city has already saved has enabled a debt settlement agreement with Eskom; and
- Hundreds of millions more will be saved in the future, which can be spent on service delivery.
Most importantly, standing our ground broke the violent, exhortative labour culture that had contributed to Tshwane’s financial distress.