Most city employees working to restore services, despite illegal strike and intimidation
Some services remain suspended such as several clinics, customer care walk-in centres and A Re Yeng bus operations as well as day-to-day services, such as power failures and waste collection.
During the week-long strike, most city employees are dutifully carrying out their responsibilities to provide essential services to residents.
“While the situation is not ideal, the city is committed to upholding the court interdict and restoring normal service delivery as quickly as possible,” said the Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink.
Brink expressed his gratitude to the employees who are working under difficult circumstances and remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached with striking employees.
However, some services remain suspended due to threats and the intimidation of working employees.
These include several clinics, customer care centres and A Re Yeng bus operations. Day-to-day services, such as power failures, waste collection, pipe leakages and sewer blockages, also remain impacted in some areas.
The TMPD has been deployed to monitor flashpoints where demonstrations are taking place and protect employees who are not taking part in the strike.
“It is clear that some workers think that by using violence and intimidation, the city will agree to their demands,” Brink said.
However, our position still stands. Owing to the precarious financial position, we simply cannot afford to implement salary increases.
“Such lawlessness entrenches the city into even deeper financial ruin,” he warned.
WATCH:
STATEMENT: City employees working to restore services despite illegal strike and intimidation. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/8XsKyQg5LC
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) August 2, 2023
He said city offices must operate optimally every day so that they can continue to render services and collect revenue.
“This is the much-needed revenue that will help stabilise our financial health. What we are fighting for is the future of this city and not just service delivery.
“We would like to express our gratitude to all employees who have been performing their duties and refusing to be drawn into strike action,” Brink said.
“It is through their professionalism and commitment to their work that the city can continue operating and serving the public.
“We urge all parties to continue engaging to find a resolution to the dispute and avoid any further damage to the city’s property and services.”
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