NUMSA to march to Tshwane Mayor’s office over unpaid retrenchment packages
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has announced a march to the Tshwane mayor’s offices on Thursday. The union is demanding action over the alleged failure to pay retrenchment packages to 261 workers who lost their jobs in December.
According to NUMSA, the City of Tshwane had promised to reabsorb the affected employees but has yet to fulfill this commitment. The situation has left the workers in financial distress, prompting the union to take to the streets to voice their frustrations.
NUMSA Calls for Urgent Action
NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said the workers have been left struggling to survive since losing their jobs.
“Our members are deeply frustrated because they have not received a cent for their retrenchment packages. They are unable to feed themselves or take care of their families.”
Hlubi-Majola emphasized that, on top of not receiving their retrenchment money, the workers were also promised new employment opportunities within the city. However, no action has been taken, leaving them in limbo.
“At the same time, they are suffering after being promised employment by the city. It is shameful that the city treats workers like this, which is why our members will be marching to hand over a memorandum of demands to the mayor.”
NUMSA has urged the City of Tshwane to honor its promises and provide clear timelines on when the payments will be made and when the affected workers will be reinstated.
Workers Facing Financial Hardship
Many of the affected workers are struggling to make ends meet, with some unable to pay rent, buy food, or cover essential expenses. For them, the retrenchment packages were supposed to serve as a financial cushion, but months have passed without any payment.
NUMSA has accused the City of Tshwane of acting irresponsibly by delaying the payments and failing to communicate with the affected workers. The union believes that the workers are being unfairly treated, especially since they were promised that their contracts would be renewed.
The City of Tshwane’s Response
As of now, the City of Tshwane has not provided an official response to NUMSA’s claims. However, city officials have previously cited financial constraints as a reason for delays in salary payments and retrenchment packages.
Tshwane has faced significant budgetary challenges in recent months, with several disputes over salary increases and delayed payments for municipal employees.
While NUMSA acknowledges these financial issues, the union insists that the city must prioritize its obligations to the affected workers and provide clarity on when payments will be made.
NUMSA’s Demands
During Thursday’s march, NUMSA members will hand over a memorandum to the mayor, listing their key demands, which include:
- Immediate payment of retrenchment packages to all affected workers.
- A clear timeline for when the workers will be reabsorbed into the city’s workforce.
- A commitment from the city to improve communication and transparency regarding employment matters.
- An end to unfair labor practices, including the termination of contracts without proper consultation.
The union has warned that if the city fails to meet these demands, further legal action and additional protests may follow.
Broader Labor Issues in Tshwane
This march comes amid growing labor unrest in the City of Tshwane. In recent months, various labor unions, including SAMWU (South African Municipal Workers’ Union), have raised concerns over unpaid salaries, retrenchments, and delayed payments for municipal employees.
The ongoing financial struggles of the city have resulted in protests, strikes, and legal battles, with workers demanding fair treatment and timely payments. NUMSA’s latest march is yet another sign of escalating tensions between the city and its workforce.
What Happens Next?
Thursday’s march is expected to draw a large turnout, as NUMSA members demand justice for the affected workers. The response from the City of Tshwane will be crucial in determining whether this protest leads to further negotiations or escalations.
NUMSA remains firm in its stance, warning that if the city does not act swiftly, more protests and legal action will follow. The union has vowed to keep fighting until the workers receive their retrenchment packages and job commitments are honored.
For now, all eyes will be on the Tshwane mayor’s office to see if the city will finally respond to NUMSA’s demands and bring relief to the struggling workers.
