CoCT and SAMWU agreement: Firefighters back to regular hours

The City of Cape Town firefighters will return to regular working hours, as an agreement was reached on Tuesday, between the City and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).

Firefighters recently marched to Parliament to have their pleas heard

In September, firefighters marched to Parliament and the Cape Town civic centre, to have their voices heard by requesting better working conditions and a crafted over-time payment structure.

The City has stated that this agreement stems from an order issued by the Labour Court on Tuesday, and it will be relevant for all fire service staff.

“In the coming weeks, the parties will be required to file their heads of argument in preparation for the hearing in the Labour Court at the end of November. The City of Cape Town remains committed to resolving the ongoing dispute as speedily as the legal process allows so that we can move forward.”

City’s executive director for safety and security, Richard Bosman

SAMWU will relay the interim agreement to its workers

On 29 November, the parties will return to court and a final ruling will be made regarding the payment structure for the over-time instances, furthermore, last week, some off-duty firefighters clocked in for work at some of the City’s fire stations.

SAMWU will communicate with its members and inform them of the interim agreement, and all staff is scheduled to go back to work and resume their normal working hours.

“I call on firefighters and management to work together in the interest of our residents. The court has plotted the way forward, and I encourage everyone to abide by it.”

City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith

Firefighters are going back to 24-hour shifts and current standby allowance’s for over-time until November

The interim agreement also facilitates that firefighters would “honour” the terms of existing contracts that relate to their 24-hour shifts and standby allowance until a final court ruling is heard by the relevant parties in November.

Furthermore, the City is reported to lift suspensions of disciplinary proceedings against employees, from the recent strike action.

“We would also like to express our sincere thanks to those firefighters and volunteers who have helped us to keep the service going over the past week, in spite of the challenges. They have remained true to the ethos of the Fire and Rescue Service.”

City’s executive director for safety and security, Richard Bosman