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BL Premium reports that the Cabinet has called on law enforcement agencies to protect people’s rights to service delivery following weeks of mayhem by eThekwini metro workers.
The striking employees affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) downed tools and embarked on a wildcat strike two weeks ago demanding that they be paid salary packages on par with those of council workers in other major cities. According to the City, its hands are tied regarding salary benchmarking because the matter is being negotiated at national level. The strike has affected service delivery in the city leaving many suburbs without waste removal, water and electricity. There have been reported acts of violence and intimidation against non-striking workers and destruction of property. Thirteen workers were arrested for taking part in the wildcat strike last week while more than 70 have been served with notices. Briefing the media on Thursday following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said: “The cabinet is concerned by the illegal protest action by eThekwini municipal workers, which has seen violence as well as water and power outages. The impact of the strike has seen many residents without water, electricity and waste removal, which is an infringement of rights of people and a contravention of the constitution. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and the cabinet calls on law enforcement agencies to do what it takes to protect the rights of people. The closing of critical services such as clinics is tantamount to sabotage and threat to life, and those found guilty will face the full might of the law.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
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