All Johannesburg municipal workers who participated in a strike earlier this week are to return to work by Friday, city officials said.
The Johannesburg Labour Court on Thursday ruled in favour of the city and prevented a secondary strike by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union.
Union spokesperson Dumisani Langa said many of the workers had gone back to work on Wednesday but those staying at home would now have to return to work.
City spokesperson Gabu Tugwana said staff attendance on Wednesday and Thursday was good, but confirmed they did not have 100% attendance.
Fifty percent of the protesting city employees were from the Johannesburg metro police department.
The union said it was disappointed by the court outcome but would map a way forward.
Judge Annelie Basson said she would provide reasons for her ruling on Friday at 2pm.
The disgruntled workers demanded free transport to and from work on municipal buses, salary parity for employees with the same experience and qualifications, an end to the casualisation of jobs and the introduction of fixed-term contracts for lower-end employees. — Sapa