Cosatu demands urgent action as NTI workers await overdue salaries
As NTI workers continue to languish in financial distress, COSATU's fervent calls for government intervention reflect a broader struggle for justice and dignity. This story highlights the urgent need for accountability amongst those in power, ensuring that employees receive the compensation they have rightfully earned. What will it take for the government to heed these pressing demands?
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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has issued a clarion call for immediate intervention from both the North West and Gauteng Provincial Governments, as well as the national government, to expedite the payment of long-overdue salaries to employees of North West Transport Investments (NTI).
This urgent plea arises amid reports that some workers have been deprived of their salaries for as long as 14 months, damaging not only their financial stability but also their mental well-being.
In a statement addressing this pressing issue, COSATU condemned what it termed the “arrogance and callousness” exhibited by officials within the North West Provincial Government and administrators at NTI.
“It is beyond unacceptable that these workers have been made to spend yet another month unpaid whilst the overpaid politicians of the North West Provincial Government enjoyed Christmas with their families,” the union lamented, highlighting the stark disparity between the hardships faced by the workers and the comfort enjoyed by government officials.
Tragically, the crisis has taken a harrowing toll on the lives of the affected employees, with reports indicating that up to 14 individuals have taken their own lives due to the unbearable pressure and desperation stemming from the ongoing financial strain.
This grim reality has intensified calls for action from both governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Cosatu has engaged in multiple discussions with NTI employees, the company’s administrators, and local government representatives, including conversations that occurred during the African National Congress’ National General Council.
Despite these dialogues, promises of timely salary payments have not materialised, leaving workers frustrated and disillusioned.
To escalate the issue, Cosatu plans to consult with the workers about pursuing legal action in the Labour Court aimed at obtaining an interdict against the North West Provincial Government and NTI administrators to compel them to pay outstanding salaries.
The Federation has also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to step in as it becomes increasingly evident that the provincial government lacks a viable strategy to stabilise NTI.
Furthermore, Cosatu is seeking a full investigation into allegations of corruption, fraud, and maladministration involving the management of NTI, including the failure to manage third-party deductions related to taxes and other benefits.
“We will not stand by and allow this horror show to continue into the new year,” the statement concluded, underscoring their commitment to fight for the rights and livelihoods of the affected workers.
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