Warning: Pikitup strike intensifies
The union has vowed to intensify their strike action at Pikitup by including all workers from the City of Johannesburg, Ekhuruleni and Tshwane
THE South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) announced, on December 1, that it would intensify the Pikitup strike, following unresolved disputes with management.
According to SAMWU the union has made efforts to engage with the management of Pikitup, but their issues remain unsettled and they have accused management of being stubborn and arrogant.
“We are disappointed to report that there have been no positive outcomes, as there was no logical conclusion in the interest of municipal workers. Rubbish is piling up in Johannesburg, posing potential health risks for residents, especially children in informal settlements and townships,” said a statement issued by SAMWU deputy general secretary, Simon Mathe.
”Despite this, Pikitup does not think that the situation has reached crisis point; they bluntly refuse to have meaningful engagements with us, aimed at resolving the impasse. All they know is to deploy military-style private security companies by Pikitup to intimidate workers.
”Workers’ grievances are genuine and will not be overshadowed by the arrogance of the employer.”
Mathe noted that the union members were concerned about the alleged excessive force which unarmed members have experienced as applied by the police.
“We want the issue of the use of casual workers at the waste management entity to be abolished,” he added.
”This in line with the recently amended Labour Relations Act, which clearly states that any employee employed for a period of three months should automatically be employed on permanent basis.
”Pikitup, however, continues with this practice because they do not want to pay workers decent wages, including benefits such as medical aid, pension and housing.
”They have even gone to the extent of implementing a Jozi at Work programme, which is also aimed at displacing workers.
”Our view is that all municipal services should be rendered by municipal workers who are directly employed by municipalities on a permanent basis.”
SAMWU members said they are ready to return to work, although they will do so only after their grievances have been addressed. The union has vowed to intensify their strike action at Pikitup by including all workers from Johannesburg, Ekhuruleni and Tshwane, who will be going on strike in solidarity with Pikitup workers.
