It has been confirmed that solid waste department employees have gone on strike and are demanding salary increases.

A trusted council source told the Middelburg Observer that negotiations for higher salaries have been going on behind the scenes for weeks.

WhatsApp notifications are currently being sent out, informing residents that waste collection services have been wholly suspended until further notice.

It’s not great news for taxpayers who will still have to fork out increased tariffs, despite no services being rendered.

It’s unclear where negotiations stand at this point.

According to the municipality, refuse removal services have been suspended due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

The source, however, confirmed that workers have downed tools until their demands are met.

The message circulating on groups has been signed off on by Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni.

All collection areas will be affected.