Mzi Khumalo, Rand West City Executive Mayor has condemned the strike that took place at the municipality on Thursday.
“We are condemning the strike because it is an illegal strike more so that the institution has a court interdict that is enforceable since December 2016. It should also be noted that matters raised by the Union are matters already resolved by the same Union on Wednesday together with the management of the institution. These matters relate to the CCMA Awards as well as the parity of salaries,” he said in a statement.
He continued, “We wish to apologise to members of the public for any inconvenience caused and further commit to working with the union in any related unresolved matters.”
Residents were warned not to visit the Rand West City Local Municipality today (Thursday, 26 January) as employees are on strike.
At the Herald‘s arrival this morning, tyres were set on fire. The road is currently still closed. The Executive Mayor has, however, intervened in today’s strike and in this regard the Union leadership committed to call off the strike.
Tshepo Ramajoe, Deputy Chairman of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in Randfontein explained to the Herald on scene that the reason for the strike is firstly parity and the secondly the bargaining council.
Ramajoe explained that when the Westonaria and Randfontein Municipalities merged, it was agreed, after much discussion with management, that the then Westonaria Municipality workers would be paid the same amount as the then Randfontein Municipality’s employees, according to the position held and experience.
But, on Wednesday, 25 January, the Rand West City Local Municipality’s employees in Randfontein did not get paid the agreed upon amount.
“They did not pay us a cent more, as agreed upon.”
The strikers are Rand West City Local Municipality employees who are determined to voice their opinion. One of the employees told the Herald, “It is simple, they need to pay us what is due, then we can deliver a service to the public. A unhappy employee is not a good thing.”
Another employee said, “They say they do not have money, but where do they get money for all these smart cars?”
The Randfontein Police were on the scene to keep a watchful eye on the situation. They said that besides the tyres burning and rubbish thrown on the road, there has been no violence yet.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:Â
Strike at municipality over salary grievances
Bogus cops stike in Randfontein
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
