Between the City of Johannesburg, the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) the Pikitup strike finally drew to a close.
This was announced by MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matshidiso Mfikoe, on Sunday 10 April at which time she said, “I’m really happy that common sense has finally prevailed”.
The comment was made in the wake of mounting concerns of possible disease outbreaks as garbage continued to pile up in the city’s streets.
“I’d like to again apologise to residents on behalf of the political leadership of the city for the inconvenience caused by the illegal stoppage of work.
“I’d also like to appeal to residents to be patient, as it will take time for waste collection to normalise,” she was quoted saying.
Mfikoe said CoJ is taking extraordinary measures to deal with residual purified waste, the increase in the rat population and proliferation of insects. She expressed her confidence in the agreement reached, saying it will pave the way to creating a climate of harmonious relations at the entity. She cautioned that this will require concerted efforts by both Pikitup and Samwu.
However, disciplinary proceedings are to continue. It was announced a dossier containing 18 allegations against Pikitup’s MD, Amanda Nair, had been referred to an independent company for investigation, which is expected to announce its findings soon.
Negotiations are yet to conclude, but it was agreed that Pikitup will make a once-off payment of R750 to its grade A and B workers. Further negotiations commence today. Should agreements not be reached, both parties will consider referring the dispute for arbitration.
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