/ 26 May 2008

Samwu to down tools in Ekurhuleni

Members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Ekurhuleni are to down tools over salaries and worker rights.

”Samwu members in Ekurhuleni are embarking on a strike from tomorrow [Tuesday] onwards,” said union spokesperson Koena Ramotlou in a statement issued on Monday.

Workers are demanding that the municipality integrate the Tembisa Waste Project employees and make them permanent staff from July onwards.

Workers also demand to be paid on the same grade as councillors (grade 16) and an end to the alleged preferential treatment of police chief Robert McBride.

”Key services will come to a standstill from Tuesday onwards, including the buses, rates hall and waste removal,” said Ramotlou.

The union said no solution had been reached following a meeting with the municipality last week.

Although the strike was deemed unlawful, it would continue with its planned action.

”Samwu is angered that the metro police have unlawfully banned our march tomorrow [tomorrow]. The workers intend to strike until their demands are met.

”This is a grave contravention of our constitutional right to freedom of expression. Workers will assemble at the Germiston Civic Centre and then march to the mayor’s office to deliver a memorandum,” said Ramotlou. — Sapa