EPWP workers take to the streets yet again
EPWP workers took another stand by protesting against what they claimed to be unfair dismissals.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers took to the streets this morning, October 18 claiming they were unfairly dismissed by Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) at the end of last month.
On the day, dozens if not hundreds of former Mogale EPWP workers showed up and exercised their right to protest at Town Hall in the CBD. Police and Public Safety were present, and it was peaceful, with the protesters wanting to bring the issue to the public eye.
• Also read: EPWP workers contract issues: Mogale provides clarity
One protester Lucas Togisomaglobule said he has been an EPWP worker since 2018, and claims they were fired without reason.
“MCLM says they do not have money to pay us and thus cancelled our contract. They have been exploiting, where we do not even have any benefits,” he said.
• Read the initial article here: Angry EPWP workers cause unrest in CBD
“We have families to feed, and we want jobs. We went to the labour department because of the cancelled contracts, where there were also deductions for UIF, which we can not claim,” he added.
In MCLM’s previous statement regarding this matter, communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu said they will be engaging with the Department of Labour to find solutions to ensure that workers are paid.
“The municipality’s payroll section has been in talks with the Gauteng Department of Labour regarding terminated EPWP workers being unable to claim their UIF payments. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the claims of the workers who have been terminated.”
She added the payroll personnel continue completing UI-19 forms in the department which will only be processed after the meeting with Mogale City officials.
“The Department of Labour also cited previous fraud incidents where individuals would fake payslips and bank statements for claims. As a result, Mogale City’s chief finance officer has tightened due diligence processes to mitigate fraud. This will be a lengthy process so we have asked all workers to be patient as we try to resolve this matter.”
