Municipal workers down tools – service at civic centre halted
Middelburg residents have been advised to avoid the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality's civic centre as employees have downed tools once again.
Inside sources from the municipality have confirmed that striking employees have gathered behind the municipal buildings and that all services at the civic centre have been suspended.
While the reason for the strike could not officially be confirmed, sources suspect that the employees are dissatisfied with the end result of the municipal grading process as well as the suspension of certain strike instigators.
“We are not sure whether a full-blown strike has been launched or whether services may resume later today, however, for the time being services are not being rendered to members of the public.”
One source further explained that Council does not have the capacity to authorise the upgrading of municipal workers to a level five. A request was directed towards the Salga Bargaining Council for an upgrade and only the bargaining council can authorise such gradings.
“There is a process that needs to be followed and the municipal workers are well aware of that. Council cannot approve any upgrades.”
