“A Gross Injustice”: SAMWU fights back against EMPD dismissals
“We will not stand idly while our members are victimised, scapegoated, and punished for exercising their fundamental right to protest.”
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Ekurhuleni Region has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the City of Ekurhuleni’s decision to issue pre-dismissal notices to more than 300 EMPD officers following their participation in the March 19 illegal protest.
In its statement, SAMWU labelled the City’s move as a “gross injustice” and an “assault on the fundamental rights of workers.”
The union expressed deep concern over what it described as the municipality’s failure to address long-standing employee grievances and its unwillingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“Instead of choosing the path of dialogue, the municipality has opted for the oppressive tactic of threatening mass dismissals,” said SAMWU Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary, Tshephang Langa.
Also read: 389 EMPD officers face disciplinary action for illegal protest
The illegal protest, which resulted in the blockade of key highways including the R21, N12, N17, and N3, caused widespread disruption to traffic and access to OR Tambo International Airport.
The City subsequently suspended the officers involved, citing gross misconduct and violations of the Labour Relations Act, as EMPD members fall under essential services and are prohibited from striking.
SAMWU contends that the protest was a symptom of unresolved and systemic issues within the department, calling it a “powerful manifestation of deep-seated and long-standing” worker dissatisfaction.
Also read: City of Ekurhuleni condemns this morning’s ILLEGAL EMPD STRIKE
The union is demanding:
- Immediate withdrawal of all pre-dismissal notices
- Suspension of disciplinary action
- Urgent, good-faith negotiations with City officials
“We will not stand idly while our members are victimised, scapegoated, and punished for exercising their fundamental right to protest,” SAMWU stated.
SAMWU has vowed to challenge the City’s actions through legal and industrial avenues, pledging full support for its members and warning of potential further action should the City fail to engage constructively.
