Monday, 04 July 2011

Refuse strikers face disciplinary action

Disciplinary action will be taken against refuse employees who embarked on an illegal strike last week. That’s according to City of uMhlathuze Acting Municipal Manager, Dr NJ Sibeko, following consultation between the unions and the City’s senior management on Friday. Irate refuse operators and crews marched to the municipal buildings in Richards Bay last Monday in protest over the municipality’s decision to hire five refuse trucks with its own staff. On Friday Dr Sibeko dismissed reports of possible suspension for those who participated in the illegal strike, but confirmed that disciplinary action would be taken. ‘The fact of the matter is that our employees went on illegal strike without even negotiating with us. ‘I do not know where the story of outsourcing comes from. ‘This is an interim solution and no-one will be affected by this initiative. ‘They were briefed that people will continue with their work,’ added Sibeko. However, Chairperson for the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in uMhlathuze, Pamela Makhoba, said some refuse workers sat around for most of the day waiting for trucks at the Alton depot last Thursday and Friday. ‘With the hiring of five new trucks, 26 temporary staff were employed last Monday,’ said Makhoba. ‘Our workers are idle because there are not enough trucks and they have to wait for returning trucks before they can do their round. ‘There are concerns that their jobs will become redundant with the new trucks doing the same work. The City confirmed that the new truck drivers were being ‘intimidated’ by municipal staff.

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