Two loud explosions from a stun grenade this afternoon, signified the end of the patience police have shown towards striking municipal workers.
Acting on a court order procured from the Labour Court by the Newcastle Municipality following previous protests that left the streets trashed, police dispersed a crowd of striking municipal workers from the grounds surrounding the Town Hall and municipal building.
Workers embarked on a strike again this afternoon, following a meeting held earlier today between workers and management. Like before, rubbish skips were overturned and refuse was strewn across the parking area of the municipal buildings, forcing the police on scene to take action. The workers are still contesting what they claim to be unwillingness of municipal management to accommodate their requests, and bridge the alleged gaps between workers’ salaries.
Dressed in riot gear and armed with shields and batons, police gained access to the grounds by climbing under a temporary construction fence. Protesting workers immediately sat down, some dancing and singing while others picked up rocks as the police approached.
Municipal security employees demanded to see the court order, but were summarily told to stay out of the way. Shortly after, the first workers were bodily lifted off the ground and apprehended, and a police officer detonated a stun grenade, effectively dispersing the crowd.
Chaos ensued, as workers ran in every direction, jumping over fences behind Newcastle Library to escape the officers. Approximately 40 workers between the ages of 30 and 58 were arrested, for contravening the court order. In the rush to escape to vehicles that were parked outside, one part of the palisade fencing was torn down.
Official comment from the municipality will be forthcoming soon. Updates on the situation will be available in Thursday’s edition of the Advertiser.
