The SA Municipal Workers' Union called off its two-week-long national strike on Tuesday.
Spokesman Mthandeki Nhlapo said wage negotiations would continue with the SA Local Government Bargaining Council.
The decision had been taken by the special national executive committee, because members were starting to experience “intimidation” in the form of court interdicts and dismissal threats, he said.
In addition, most members had already started going back to work, although some were prepared to continue with the strike.
The special national executive committee met on Saturday, August 27 and resolved to end the strike on Monday, August 29.
He condemned employers' lack of commitment towards ending the strike, which had left communities without services.
Nhlapo said employers had failed to justify a 6.08 percent offer for Samwu members while proposing a seven percent increase for councillors.
The decision does not affect Samwu's planned strike action in the water sector, said Samwu collective bargaining officer Dale Forbes. - Sapa