Ekurhuleni strike: MECSU protests disrupt city services, court orders issued

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has been embroiled in a strike led by the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU), which began on September 11.

The strike, which primarily involves members of MECSU demanding the conversion of some employees from fixed-term to permanent employment, has raised significant concerns for the city’s management and residents.

Day 1: The strike begins

MECSU notified the CoE about its intention to embark on industrial action, citing the need for better employment security for municipal workers. The union’s demand centres on converting certain employees from fixed-term to permanent contracts.

While the strike’s impact on city services was initially contained, the CoE made it clear that it would apply a no-work, no-pay rule for employees participating in the action.

The city also emphasised its commitment to maintaining essential services, such as emergency services, healthcare, and policing, without interruption.

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A public statement issued by the city reminded employees of their obligations under the city’s code of conduct, warning against disruptive or violent behaviour during the strike.

Of particular concern was the union’s attempt to mobilise contract workers, such as cleaners and security guards, who are not city employees.
The union later handed over its memorandum to city officials, but continued picketing.

Mecsu’s demands

Mecsu outlined four key demands in the memorandum submitted to the city:

• The city must immediately stop outsourcing municipal services, such as security and cleaning, and insource these roles under permanent employment terms;
• Workers under the Harambe Programme, funded through the city’s operational budget in the Roads and Transport Department, should be made permanent, given the ongoing nature of their work;
• The city must provide quality PPE to all employees, with procurement handled by departments to ensure timely distribution;
• The city must provide departments such as the EMPD with essential tools, including patrol vehicles and other necessary resources, to perform their duties effectively.

Day 2: Escalation and unlawful conduct

Protests resumed on September 12 with even greater numbers. Tensions flared when the demonstrators tried to move closer to the council chambers, only to be blocked by members of the EMPD. Protesters then blocked the municipal office gates, denying workers exit from the premises.

The city condemned this conduct. In a statement, the city explained that MECSU members staged a protest that extended beyond the approved picketing points, spilling over into the OR Tambo Government Precinct and Civic Centre.

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The city expressed concern over the violation of protest conditions and the unlawful behaviour of striking workers, who obstructed employees from leaving buildings and restricted public access to critical services.

In particular, the disruption to the Germiston Forensic Pathology Services was met with severe backlash. Families could not access the remains of their deceased loved ones, adding unnecessary distress during an already difficult time. This, according to the city, was unacceptable and troubling.

The CoE made it clear that MECSU was not a recognised union within the municipality, limiting its capacity for formal engagement with the city.

As such, the city announced it would seek an urgent court order to bar MECSU from continuing with what they described as unlawful activities. The city also promised legal action against those responsible for the disruptions.

Day 3: Legal response and reinforced security

By Day 3, tensions had continued to rise, with the OR Tambo Government Precinct becoming a flash point for protest activities.

In response, the CoE reinforced security measures, deploying the EMPD and collaborating with the SAPS to ensure public safety and maintain access to municipal buildings.

City officials emphasised that the OR Tambo Government Precinct and the Civic Centre were not included in MECSU’s approved strike application, meaning any demonstrations at these locations would violate both the protest’s conditions and a potential court order.

The city reassured employees that their safety was a top priority, encouraging them to report for duty without fear of intimidation or interference.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni reassures residents as city services remain stable despite strike

Day 4: Court orders and ongoing legal battles

On Day 4, the CoE began to make significant legal strides. The Labour Court issued an interim interdict prohibiting further obstruction of employees and residents, and preventing interference with municipal operations or public access to essential services.

The city’s statement highlighted the court’s position, which forbade activities like blocking entrances or intimidating workers, and reinforced the importance of respecting the rule of law during strike action.

In particular, the city underscored that key municipal services, including clinics, libraries, and recreational facilities, remained open to the public. Technical response teams were also on standby to handle disruptions to service delivery.

While the city acknowledged the constitutional right of workers to strike, it reiterated that they must exercise this right within the confines of the law, without infringing on the rights of residents to access essential services.

The city also made it clear that any actions violating court orders would be treated as contempt of court, and they would pursue legal consequences.

Court ruling on essential services

On September 17, the CoE welcomed a pivotal ruling by the Essential Services Committee (ESC).

The committee rejected MECSU’s application to reclassify certain municipal employees as non-essential, meaning employees in sectors such as traffic, health, security, water and sanitation, and waste collection remain classified as essential service providers.

As such, these workers are prohibited from participating in strike action unless they obtain a valid court order.

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This ruling has been a significant victory for the CoE, reinforcing its position on uninterrupted service delivery.

The city emphasised its commitment to safeguarding residents’ rights to reliable and efficient municipal services, while balancing employees’ right to strike with community needs.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini reiterated that the city would continue to defend uninterrupted service delivery and would take all necessary legal measures to ensure compliance with court orders.

The city also called on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and act in the best interests of the people of Ekurhuleni.