After several days of strike action, which brought Steve Tshwete Local Municipality services to a standstill in Middelburg, STLM workers have returned to their posts.
The strike started in the Solid Waste Department before spreading to other municipal sections, leaving rubbish piling up outside homes and businesses across the town.
On Friday, July 3, representatives of the municipality, labour unions and political stakeholders met to try and solve the dispute.
Following the meeting, ANC representative, Jonas Boshomane confirmed that workers had agreed to return to work.
However, according to local councilors this agreement which was reached in the mediation has not been officially sighned
“We were informed during a Council Forum meeting yesterday afternoon, that the agreement was not yet signed at the time,” said DA ward councillor, Hennie Niemann.
He confirmed that workers still resumed their duties and said he hoped municipal services would continue without further strikes and interruptions.
“As soon as we receive an update on refuse removal, I will share the information,” he said.
The strike followed the precautionary suspension of 14 Solid Waste drivers, with workers raising concerns over the suspensions, workloads and the condition of the municipality’s refuse truck fleet.
STLM workers may be back on duty, but for most residents the strike will only, truly be over when refuse trucks return to their streets.
Perhaps, in the coming week, Middelburg’s residents can finally ‘wheelie’ put their bins out again.
