The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) has signed a salary agreement with employer body, the South African Local Government Association (Salga), the union said on Wednesday.

”The signing comes after rigorous mandate taking process to members which resulted in the Samwu central executive committee meeting in August confirming that majority of our members had accepted the facilitator’s report without any additions or subtractions,” said spokesperson Papikie Mohale.

”Municipal workers should receive their salary increase as of this month [September] back-dated from July 2015.”

The agreement included a 7% across the board salary increase, a sectoral minimum wage of R6 014.93 with effect 1 July 2015

”The agreement also includes the retention of the 60:40 employer medical aid contribution, however, employer contribution will increase to a maximum of R3 871. There will also be a new housing allowance dispensation of R350 for low earners who are currently not servicing bonds, and a R700 homeowner’s allowance,” said Mohale.

The union had sought an 11% wage increase, down from the 16% originally sought. Salga has, in turn, revised their numbers from an original 4.5% increase to 5.9%.

Salga represents the country’s 278 municipalities.