Dismissal letters will be formally served on striking employees from tomorrow morning (Wednesday).

According to shop steward and employee spokesman Jacob Magagula, who is preparing for his disciplinary hearing after having been suspended for his alleged role in the ongoing unprotected strikes, employees decided on Monday night not to return to work.

Disciplinary hearings against 12 suspended employees will kick off tomorrow (Wednesday).

Mr Magagula says he’s currently preparing to fight the charges against him.

Last week, Mr Magagula sat down with the Middelburg Observer, detailing the reasons behind the ongoing labour disputes.
The interview will be published in this week’s edition of the Middelburg Observer.

Meanwhile, the municipality remains on lockdown with a number of employees saying they’re too scared to return to work due to constant harassment by striking colleagues.

Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela opened a case of malicious damage to property on Sunday after tyres were set alight in front of his mother’s home in Mhluzi.
A local councillor also opened a case of intimidation against a shop steward.

Acting Municipal Manager Ms Thokozile Zulu issued a final notice for striking employees to report for duty today.
Workers have, according to Mr Magagula, decided to defy the notice and continue with the strike.

Support for municipal employees is waning fast.

The most pressing demand is the withdrawal of disciplinary charges against alleged instigators.

Employees are also demanding a Level 5 upgrade, despite salary increases since January, including a 4 per cent annual increase on adjusted salaries.

The community, however, is pushing back with scheduled meetings to address the impasse affecting services.