This morning, municipal workers were chased out of municipal buildings by fellow workers after embarking on industrial action.
At this stage, it is unclear whether the strike action is legal or illegal?
Non-striking workers were being forced to leave municipal buildings whether they were part of the strike action or not.
They also marched on the Public Safety building and for a brief period, occupied offices there as well.
It is unclear at this stage what the workers are striking about, but it is believed to be linked to the appointment of a private contractor to handle security.
This story has been updated: Update: Murchison Street clear as striking municipal workers disperse
Also read: Engineering Department workers go on strike
Also read: Workers go on strike
Also read: Update: Murchison Street clear as striking municipal workers disperse
According to one worker, they are unhappy that the municipality continues to out-source work to private contractors who then pay their employees peanuts.
“These employees get no benefits like provident funds and health insurance,” explained one worker.
They also have no job security as, at any time, the municipality can terminate the contract, leaving the worker without a job.
The recent dismissal of municipal security guards and the appointment of a private company to provide security sparked the protest.
Latest reports indicate that some damage was done at Public Safety.
Residents are warned to stay clear of Murchison Street, although at this stage it appears that they are breaking into smaller groups.
The strikers who have downed tools all seem to belong to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
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