Union promises strike and calls foul on dismissal of worker

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) has announced it will be approaching the Bargaining Council on May 19, to ask for an official date for industrial strike action.

According to a union representative, there have not been any strikes so far, only work stoppages, but the residents of Newcastle will bear witness to a real strike soon.

The statement follows the dismissal of municipal worker, Christiaan Lourens, which the union claims was ‘unlawful and unprocedural’. The union alleges two more workers were also fired in a similar fashion, however, this allegation remains unconfirmed by the Newcastle Municipality, despite being given the opportunity to respond.

“We are still trying to resolve the issue internally with the employer,” said a SAMWU representative, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation. “If we cannot come to an agreement, we will seek to resolve the matter externally.”

Mr Lourens said he hoped SAMWU ccould resolve the issue as speedily as possible, as he did not wish to be involved in a court battle which could possibly drag on for years.

“In the meantime I have been advised to claim UIF,” said Mr Lourens. “My wife is a temporary worker, so it is very difficult for us. The NFP is also in the process of hiring a lawyer for me, which will help a lot,” he concluded.

Mr Lourens was dismissed for being absent from work on certain dates, however, he claims to have copies of his attendance register to prove he was in fact present and working on the days in question.

According to Ericson Zungu, NFP PR Councillor and member of the Amajuba District Municipality’s Executive Committee, the party would pursue the issue, as they still feel Mr Lourens was targeted for his political affiliation.

SAMWU is also allegedly pursuing matters regarding the 43 workers arrested in April, who were held and never charged. Mayor, Afzul Rehman was asked if, to his knowledge, any further action would be taken, to which he simply responded “No.”

Further questions were submitted to the municipal communications department on May 5, one of which asked which steps would be taken to prevent the promised strike. No response was received.