EMS to take legal action against firemen
Action may result in tragedy.
The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has applied for an urgent interdict against about a 1000 firemen who refuse to work overtime, claiming it is an essential service.
The firemen refuse to budge though saying that since 2001 they have been working 48 hour weeks instead of the 40 hours required by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. As of last Friday the group of firemen refuse to work from 4pm until 7pm. This could lead to dire consequence considering Gauteng is in the midst of its dry season. Part of their grievances are an alleged shortage of fire trucks and other essential tools.
A local firemen, who asked to stay anonymous, told the Record that firemen involved in the action are being intimidated by their employers, in among other ways by being locked out of stations.
“We have formed a firefighters forum to deal with our employment issues. On 16 July we had a bargain council dispute with the municipality about our hours of work. As per the Basic Conditions of Employment Act we must work 40 hours a week but we have been working an extra four hours without remuneration,” he said.
With harsh words he criticised EMS saying “The problem that we have with management is arrogance and lawlessness and a contravention of the law. They are not willing to comply with the law.”
Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for EMS, told the Record “residents need not be concerned. All our services at all 28 our stations across Johannesburg are running smoothly. We even posted station managers and supervisors to personally respond to emergencies. For us it is business as usual.
“We have issued the firemen in question with notices of suspension and the will have to explain themselves. We regard this as an illegal strike and the firemen are in breach of their contracts,” concluded Mulaudzi.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
