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The Newcastle Municipality left Newcastillians gobsmacked following the government entity suddenly dismissing 223 employees in November 2019. However, now after nearly three years of legal action, the employees are set to return to work. But, is it as simple as them coming back to work, or are there challenges in finding a place for them three years later?
The mass dismissal came on the heels of protest action at the Newcastle Council Chambers in September 2019. This saw irate staff members voicing their anger regarding unpaid overtime. However, during the chaos, one of the employees threw a brick at Newcastle’s former mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
With tensions running high, the group of employees found themselves dismissed, starting a years-long legal battle.
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On Monday, 12 September 2022, the KZN South African Municipal Workers Union confirmed that a settlement agreement had been concluded, enforcing the reinstatement of the 223 Newcastle Municipality employees.
“As SAMWU, we are vindicated of our initial sentiments that the termination of these employees’ contracts of employment was not only unfair but also immoral. We have as a union from the onset shown our support and solidarity to these workers. Many of them have lost a lot, including marriages, houses, and vehicle repossessions as they could not keep up with the repayments. Although the settlement agreement now brings closer to the issue, irreparable damage has been done against these employees as they will not be able to retrieve that which they have lost.”
According to SAMWU, as per the settlement agreement, all 223 employees will be returning to work on 1 October 2022.
These workers will also apparently be receiving their salaries retrospectively from the date they were dismissed, while the municipality will also pay 36 months’ worth of pension contributions on behalf of the workers.
“Although much damage has already been done to the employees, financially, socially and psychologically and family wise, as a result of the unlawful dismissals, we trust that this settlement agreement will assist the workers in rebuilding their lives,” said the Union.
SAMWU concluded by thanking the employees who trusted the union throughout the process. “As a union, we are committed to ensuring that municipal workers in the province are treated with the dignity they deserve and that all municipalities comply with the disciplinary code and do not resort to outright dismissals when matters cannot be resolved amicably.”
The Newcastle Municipality was contacted for official comment. While unable to provide comment at the time of publication, the Mayor’s Office pointed out that it will be making an official statement within the coming week.
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