4000 Pikitup workers found guilty

The City of Johannesburg has revealed that the 4000 Pikitup workers belonging to South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) were found guilty in a recent disciplinary hearing for their participation in an unprotected work stoppage.

Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau said the City is now awaiting recommendations on sanctions for the respective individual employees. Tau addressed the media after councillors collectively agreed in an Extra Ordinary Council sitting to mobilise communities for the cleanup of the City amidst the ongoing illegal strike by Pikitup workers. He said, “I can say, amongst the councillors, there is a collective view that we need to use all our powers to resolve the issue.” Tau also stated that an independent body has been appointed to investigate allegations against the entity’s managing director Amanda Nair which was one of the union’s demands.

“The independent body will pursue allegations against Nair, we expect the results very soon, we will work on the basis of the [investigation] report…We are committed to investigating allegations against the managing director of Pikitup within the legal framework which prohibits us from starting an investigation of allegations with a suspension without any basis for that action. Our view is that, let’s get the results and then get to the determination based on the report,” he said.

Meanwhile, MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Matshidiso Mfikoe was hopeful that the end to the strike is eminent as the ongoing negotiations were progressing very well as the City has put an undisclosed offer to the union. “The two parties are on break but will pursue the negotiations and the solution is eminent, we hope the strike will end on Friday if all goes well, we can’t say how much we offer but there is progress,” Mfikoe said.

Tau also applauded those residents and businesses who have partnered with the City in a bid to clean up the City. He also stated that Pikitup was spending an estimated R1 million a day in third party contracts during the strike. The mayor also welcomed and commended the private security sector’s announcement of a commitment on Tuesday, April 5 to avail additional resources to ensure the safety of deployed workers and service providers in the roll-out of contingency cleanup measures. He also reiterated his call to residents to utilise the Pikitup hotline 011 286 6009 to call for a pick-up truck or request cleanup tools and protective gear.

Tau also said, “It is important to clarify that the City is committed to addressing the issues of parity that will apply throughout the organisation without compromising the financial structure of the City.”