SAMWU strike will be illegal
Any threats against City Power’s network or acts of deliberate and illegal tampering with its property constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has dismissed the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) application to strike against City Power.
Sydney Mphahlele, City Power’s communications officer, informed the Southern COURIER that the CCMA declined to issue Samwu with a certificate to strike following Samwu’s allegations of corruption against City Power’s MD, Sicelo Xulu. Samwu demanded that Sicelo be suspended pending the establishment and finalisation of an internal investigation.
According to Mphahlele the City Power board asked Samwu to substantiate their allegations but reportedly the union instead opted to refer the dispute to the CCMA with a view to embark on strike action.
The CCMA’s dismissal of Samwu’s application to strike effectively strips the planned strike action of all legal protection. It is City Power’s view that any strike action related to this matter will therefore be unlawful and unprotected and City Power has said they will take the necessary action, including but not limited to, disciplinary action against those employees who participate in an unprotected and unlawful strike.
“City Power’s mandate to supply electricity to the residents of Johannesburg is regarded as an essential service and by extension, its infrastructure has been declared as a national key point. Consequently, any threats against its network or acts of deliberate and illegal tampering with its property constitutes a criminal offence that is liable for criminal prosecution,” said reverend Frank Chikane, chairman of the City Power board.
Chikane assured ratepayers that City Power has put contingency measures in place to ensure a reliable supply of electricity in the unlikely event that the strike goes ahead.
