Nedlac considers Section 77 notice on the Igoli 2002 Plan

Nedlac held a meeting today to consider the notice served by the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) in conjunction with Imatu (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Unions) regarding possible protest action around the proposed Igoli 2002 plan. The notice was directed at the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council (GJMC) and substructures. The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) also attended the meeting.

This notice had been served by the federation in terms of s77(1)(b) of the Labour Relations Act, which gives workers the right to embark on protest action to promote and protect their social and economic interests, if they follow certain procedures. Nedlac is required to consider the notice with a view to resolving the matter through a process of facilitation.

The reasons given in the notice for the intended protest action were the "resultant negative effect of implementing the Igoli 2002 plan". Labour is particularly concerned about the possibility of job losses and other concerns around privatisation.

Today's meeting served to address some of labour's concerns, and included a commitment by the Council that no jobs would be lost as a result of the Igoli 2002 plan. The Council also indicated that it wanted to engage with labour over a 15 month period.

It was agreed at the meeting that there were other processes underway that could deal with the concerns raised by labour. These included a mediation which will take place tomorrow, and a possible re-opening of the negotiation in the bargaining council. It was agreed that Nedlac's consideration of the notice would await the outcome of these other processes.

Contact: Chez Milani, Fedusa 476-5188