Casual workers at Pikitup’s Randburg depot have once again brought waste collection services to a standstill, demanding that the entity honour a promise to absorb them into permanent positions.

The workers, who have blocked operations at the depot, say they were assured earlier this year that they would be sourced into permanent employment.

However, months later, they claim no progress has been made and that management has failed to provide any feedback or timeline on the commitment.

Read more: Councillor warns city over mounting refuse collection failures

The protest has resulted in the suspension of refuse collection services in areas served by the Randburg depot, with rubbish bins already overflowing in several communities.

The situation at the depot has also escalated, with the entrance gate reportedly blocked by waste, preventing waste collection vehicles from entering or leaving the facility. The blockade has effectively halted operations, leaving refuse trucks stranded while workers continue their protest.

One of the protesters, Emanuel Mawela, explained that they were promised permanent employment, but that now the entity is dragging out the process again.

“We have done everything, including the criminal checks and all. We have met with management, but they are not giving us what we need.”

The workers protested for the same issues earlier in the year, but eventually went back to work after meeting management, as well as Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Jack Sekwaila.

“Sekwaila came, and they told us we would be handed appointment letters in July, but nothing has happened. We will shut the depot down until they give us what we want.”

Also read: Pikitup delays frustrate residents

The striking workers insist they will not resume duties until Pikitup addresses their concerns and provides clarity on the promised permanent appointments. They argue that many have worked for the entity on contract for years and deserve job security and the benefits afforded to permanent employees.

Pikitup issued an official statement indicating that waste collection services in certain parts of the city are currently experiencing disruptions due to ongoing protest action by casual workers contracted to waste collection service providers.

The entity also emphasised that its employees are not on strike and remain available to provide waste collection services. However, the blockades have significantly affected the entity’s ability to render services.

Meanwhile, bins are piling up on the sides of the roads as they remain uncollected.

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