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The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has written to KZN Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce, (view here) urging her to work towards finalising a staff dispute, relating to overtime work within the provincial Legislature.

Official staff are unhappy that late working hours have become institutionalised without any consultation with them. Their concerns were communicated with legislature management in writing earlier this month. The Legislature has responded that it is not in a position to remunerate staff financially but is prepared to look at other alternatives.

Regrettably, a meeting scheduled for yesterday between the Legislature's corporate services and staff did not take place after management’s representative was allegedly not fully briefed on the matter. A subsequent virtual meeting, held earlier today, also failed to see the issue resolved, with negotiations set to continue this afternoon.

The current stalemate means that staff who will play a critical role in the formal opening of KZN’s Legislature on Thursday and at Friday’s State of the Province (SOPA) are likely to embark on a peaceful picket. While the business of the House within the Chamber is expected to continue uninterrupted, a commotion is expected to continue outside.

The DA respects staffs’ right to picket peacefully. We do, however, call upon them to ensure that the decorum and dignity of the Legislature is not interrupted in any manner that prevents the official opening and the SOPA from proceeding without a hitch.

We implore the Legislature's administrative leadership, led by Secretary, Nerusha Naidoo, to work with officials to find an amicable and long-lasting solution. It cannot continue to impact on the work of Members and possibly the decorum of the institution.

We are confident that under the Speaker’s able leadership, this matter will be brought to a close in spite of the Legislature's current financial needs and difficulties.

Issued by Dr Imran Keeka, MPL - Chief Whip to the DA in the KZN Legislature