WATCH: Tzaneen DWS workers join National strike against the outsourcing of services
"The employer must come to the table. We want to work. We are fighting outsourcing."
Employees from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) went on a National strike today in a march against the outsourcing of contracts as well as better working conditions, cleaner offices and safe accommodation.
The strike was legal and all above board.
Read:Â Nehawu strike at water and sanitation indefinite, dept admits to budget depletion
Employees of DWS in Tzaneen gathered outside the offices close to Tzaneen dam wall and chanted their wishes in unison.
The striking workers were those in both permanent and contracted positions.
Watch:
McDonald Sibuyi, National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) Regional Secretary, led the group and told the HERALD that, “work is often outsourced to external contractors, Upon completion of the contracts, the end work is often shoddy and then we [DWS staff] are expected to fix the mess.”
Sibuyi and the picketers believe that the outsourcing leaves them redundant in their positions and gives the employer the opportunity to “slowly push us [the workers] out the door.”
A similar strike was held last year and was reported on by the LETABA HERALD.
Read: GALLERY: Tzaneen’s dam workers go on strike
Sibuyi said, whilst addressing the group, “We want to see the strike resolved as soon as possible. Actually, as soon as yesterday. The employer must come to the table. We want to work. We are fighting outsourcing. We have the will and the guts to go on and do the work that we are employed to do. Remain strong. Remain united. Their [the employers] strategy is divide and rule.”
LETABA HERALD were LIVE on the scene.
