Funding Cuts and Contract Terminations Spark Protests Among EPWP and DSW Workers
13 Aug 2024
In a significant blow to the workforce, 3,000 workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Durban Solid Waste (DSW) lost their jobs on July 31, 2024, as their contracts were ended suddenly. This decision has sparked widespread unrest and protests among the affected workers and union representatives.
The termination of these contracts follows a substantial cut in funding from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works (DPW). The annual expenditure for the EPWP programme, amounting to R297 million, had been drastically reduced to R18.7 million, leaving the eThekwini municipality to find savings of R278.3 million to keep the programme running, leading to their decision to terminate.
Before their termination, EPWP workers faced numerous issues such as discrepancies in payslips, with workers receiving only R4018.63 from a gross salary of R8279.95. Workers also reported being compelled to work beyond their job descriptions. Their grievances included working overtime without compensation amongst others.
Protests first erupted as early as July 19, when the workers, represented by the Municipal and Allied Trade Union of South Africa (MATUSA), marched from King Dinuzulu Park to Durban City Hall. These workers, who have been on month-to-month contracts for over a decade, had long demanded full-time employment. More protests are anticipated to take place at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipal Head Office starting August 2024.
The situation remains tense and will be closely monitored amidst the growing unrest.
Sources: TopicWorx, Elitsha, Ground Up, Action SA