The ongoing strike by members of the Municipal and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) has entered its fifth week, heightening frustration among workers and residents alike.

The strike, which began over unresolved grievances relating to wage adjustments, working conditions, and alleged unfair treatment of employees, has exposed widening cracks between the union and the city’s administration.

MECSU members continue to demand that the City fulfil its promises and engage in direct negotiations to resolve the dispute.

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Workers feeling the strain

For many of the striking workers, the prolonged industrial action has taken a heavy toll. While they stand firm in their demands, the loss of income and uncertainty about the future have deepened their frustration.

“We are not on strike because we enjoy it. We are fighting for fairness and respect,” said one striking worker.

She added that the city promised to end outsourcing, but they are still waiting to see the council resolution come to pass.

City defends its position

The City of Ekurhuleni has maintained that it remains committed to resolving the matter but insists that MECSU must adhere to established labour protocols.

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

The municipality recently secured a court order to ensure the strike complies with picketing rules, citing instances of intimidation and disruption of city operations.

MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, during his 2025/26 budget speech in June, emphasised stability, accountability, and a renewed focus on delivering basic services.

His address aligned with the developmental priorities set by Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza during his State of the City Address. Notably on the issue of outsourcing, Dlabathi highlighted plans to reduce outsourced services and invest in capacity.

“A notable shift is the move away from outsourced services. The employee budget increases from R11.7b to R13.4b, enabling the recruitment of 700 permanent cleaners and 290 EMPD officers. An additional R303m is allocated for tools of trade and staff upskilling,” said Dlabathi during his address.

Germiston City News has been monitoring the strike closely and has noted workers’ growing frustration. Union representatives have accused the administration of “dragging its feet” and failing to engage meaningfully, further straining relations between the two parties.

Any enquiry sent to the City on October 8, questioning whether it plans to meet with MECSU and address their grievances as well as the impacts of the strike on residents, received no comment at the time of going to print.

In a previous statement, the city stated that it remains resolute in its duty to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and protect residents’ rights to safe, accessible municipal services.

The city also reminded striking workers of a standing court interdict issued in response to MECSU’s ongoing industrial action, which began on September 12.

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The order prohibits a range of disruptive and unlawful behaviours associated with the strike. The court has interdicted the MECSU-affiliated respondents from:

Blockading entrances and exits at municipal facilities

• Preventing public access or hindering non-striking staff and contractors from carrying out duties
• Engaging in intimidation, threats, or harassment
• To enforce compliance, the court directed the city to broadly disseminate the order, including personal delivery by authorised officials, prominent posting at key municipal locations such as the Germiston Civic Centre, electronic communications via WhatsApp and email, and the support of law enforcement, with the EMPD mandated to assist.

While reaffirming respect for the constitutional right to strike, the city stressed that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law and without compromising public safety or the delivery of essential services.

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ActionSA weighs in
Germiston City News also asked ActionSA, which has been vocal on the issue and advocated for insourcing through a council motion that was passed.

“We’ve pushed for and secured the inclusion of insourcing in the 2025/26 budget. Furthermore, we’ve prioritised consideration for existing city employees in the recruitment process.

Despite efforts to engage with MECSU, they have not responded to our requests for a meeting to discuss their demands.

“Nonetheless, we’ll closely monitor the insourcing process to ensure transparency and adherence to stakeholder expectations,” said Tumelo Tshabalala, Ekurhuleni caucus leader.

As the strike continues, residents and businesses across Ekurhuleni remain uncertain about its end. Both the City and MECSU remain firm in their positions, but with no clear resolution in sight, calls for decisive leadership and genuine engagement are growing louder.
Until then, the strike remains a symbol of deeper challenges facing Ekurhuleni’s governance and labour relations.