Refuse removers from the municipal solid waste department are still on strike.

Workers are demanding that they be promoted to higher salary classifications, with general workers demanding a bump from T4 classification to T5.

Drivers currently on T7 classifications are demanding an upgrade to T9.

It has been reported that workers have locked the gates at the municipal stores (magasyn) this morning, escalating the situation by keeping other employees from accessing the workplace.

The salary dispute will be presented to the council during a special council sitting scheduled for June 30th.

According to internal sources, there are no contingency plans for refuse removal while the strike remains ongoing.

There’s currently no money to rope in contractors for refuse removal.

The entire town is affected by the ongoing strike.

Nonetheless, residents are expected to once again pay for services that aren’t being rendered.

Residents are now fearing a repeat of the violent series of strikes in 2021/2022.

According to sources within the municipality, workers appealed against the classifications, with a full appeals report also heading to the council.

The SA Local Government Association has also been approached.

The strike spells trouble for an upcoming municipal auction on Wednesday, which is scheduled to be held at the magasyn.

Bidders have been invited for a walk-through to view the goods on auction, as well as registration for the auction today and tomorrow.

The municipality has not yet confirmed whether the auction would continue.