Durban — EThekwini Municipality said the grievances of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were receiving attention.
This was after EPWP workers held a picket on Wednesday outside the South African Local Government Bargaining Council offices on King Dinuzulu Road, demanding to be registered as permanent workers by eThekwini Municipality after 10 years of working as contractors.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the city noted the workers’ grievances and that they were receiving attention.
“We request a space to continue our engagements as this is an internal matter. We hereby apologise profusely for the inconvenience in any form to the public,” said Mayisela.
The workers said they were tired of doing the same job as people who were permanently employed, while they had been on contract for 10 years, earning below the minimum wage.
The deputy chairperson of the Municipal and Allied Trade Union of SA, Thulani Ngwenya, said they wanted the 800 workers to be permanently employed.
“These workers have been on the contract for 10 years under the EPWP programme, and the work that they do is that of those who are permanent workers. These workers earn from R3 000 to R3 500, and that is not enough money considering how expensive life is,” said Ngwenya.
Nelisiwe Ganyile from Cornubia said she had worked for five years as an EPWP worker, and that they were bringing their case to the municipality to make them permanent employees.
“Initially the EPWP contract was supposed to be for a year. However, it went from one year to two years, and eventually five years. I am the eldest at home and a breadwinner, so my salary does not cover everything. I have one child, I can’t even have other kids because I am not earning enough money,” said Ganyile.
Another worker who refused to be named said all they wanted was to be recognised and be paid more money.
Daily News