EMPD officers make their demands through causing havoc in the streets

EMPD officers took their salary dispute to the streets last Thursday, using patrol cars to block major highways in protest against cuts to their overtime pay.

The demonstration caused severe traffic congestion on the R24 westbound between the OR Tambo and Electron interchanges, as well as on the N3 northbound between Heidelberg and Elands.

The protest followed a Labour Court interdict secured by the City of Ekurhuleni last month to prevent a planned strike, arguing that EMPD officers are essential workers and therefore legally prohibited from striking.

ALSO READ: Disciplinary action taken against EMPD illegal strike

A final ruling on the legality of their protest is expected on March 20, and participants could face disciplinary or legal action.

Officers are demanding a 10% salary increase and the reinstatement of their overtime hours, which were recently reduced from 40 hours per month to just 16 as part of the city’s cost-cutting measures.

The reduction limits overtime to certain priority units, leaving many officers frustrated.

The Municipal and Essential Services Workers Union (MESCU) has expressed support for the officers, criticising management for failing to provide answers or consult with them.

MESCU General Secretary Vukile Mlungwana stated that the city’s decision has severely impacted workers.

“For years, officers have relied on overtime, but it was suddenly slashed overnight without discussion.

“Officers depend on this overtime because their salaries are insufficient. It has enabled them to buy homes, and cars, and send their children to good schools,” said Mlungwana.

When asked by Germiston City News what the next step would be if talks with the city executive failed to meet their demands, Mlungwana claimed the city had the financial means to address their concerns but was prioritising outsourcing.

ALSO READ: City condemns illegal EMPD strike

“The city has money. It’s just being channelled into outsourcing. Sixty per cent of the work in the city is outsourced, which is a clear sign that there are funds,” he said.

Mlungwana further accused the city of undermining unions and failing to engage with them before making critical decisions.

He also criticised the recent digitalisation of the EMPD, which has faced backlash from officers whose broader concerns remain unresolved.

“The city disregards unions. They don’t consult with us. If you want to introduce any new system in the private sector, you need to consult with the union, but because that hasn’t happened, these are the results,” he added.

ALSO READ: EMPD officers on a strike, road users warned

In response, the mayoral executive team has now taken over negotiations with the union. MMC for Finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi, during a media briefing, announced that the first meeting took place on March 20.

“The office of the mayor will co-ordinate the meeting and give it priority because EMPD is an essential service. We need to listen to them and find a solution,” said Dlabathi.

He added that part of the discussion would focus on the city’s finances.

“This meeting will also provide an opportunity for the city to explain how and why these financial decisions were made,” he said.

A Germiston City News article published on March 14 stated that overtime should be provided based on critical service needs and emergency situations, rather than as a routine provision for daily operations.

ALSO READ: EMPD officers demand pay for overtime to be reinstated

“The decision to reduce overtime is based on the city’s current financial situation. Like many other municipalities across the country, we are still recovering from the economic impact of Covid-19, which resulted in job losses and affected residents’ ability to pay for services.

“This has significantly impacted our revenue and financial standing,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

He added that the city is actively working to improve its financial position through cost-reduction strategies and revenue-maximisation efforts. These measures include cutting overtime expenses and implementing other austerity measures.