Nelson Mandela Bay’s acting infrastructure and engineering boss, Barry Martin, has warned staff that refusing to work overtime during emergencies, including floods and burst pipes, could result in disciplinary action.
The warning was sent to department staff on Friday.
It comes as the city is cracking down on its high overtime bill with the introduction of a threshold in August.
In August, municipal workers were left reeling after their payslips reflected drastic cuts in overtime pay.
This followed a June council decision to reduce overtime pay for those who earned more than the salary threshold.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, overtime cost R415m.
In the letter, Martin said there had been instances where employees had either refused to undertake standby duties or acted in ways that undermined the department’s capacity to fulfil its mandate.
“The municipality operates under an essential services agreement, which recognises that the municipality provides critical services that must always be maintained, including during lawful strikes, protest actions or emergencies,” it says.
“This agreement stipulates that service continuity is to be maintained through roster systems, ensuring operational stability and public safety.
“These duties are designed to ensure that the directorate can respond promptly to emergencies, leaks, sewer overflow, flooding and other urgent issues affecting public health and safety.”
He warned employees that failing to make themselves available for the standby roster could result in disciplinary action.
“Acts of not participating in the roster system are considered illegal and are a breach of your signed conditions of employment.
“Such actions compromise service delivery and place the department’s operational integrity at risk, potentially affecting the safety and wellbeing of the community.
“The directorate reminds you that participation in the standby roster is a contractual and legal obligation.
“Therefore, you are requested to adhere to the conditions of your employment, uphold your responsibilities, and work collaboratively to ensure continuous service delivery.
“Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, in accordance with municipal policies and the Labour Relations Act,” he said.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the notice was issued as part of the municipality’s commitment to ensure uninterrupted services
“It serves as a reminder to staff of their contractual and legal obligations to participate in standby duties and roster systems, which are critical to safeguarding public health, safety and the wellbeing of residents.
“The municipality reiterates that this circular is not introducing new policies but reinforcing existing employment conditions and service obligations
“We call on all staff, stakeholders, and community members to support this directive as part of our collective responsibility to deliver uninterrupted services,” he said.
The Herald
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