Durban refuse removal strike ends

ETHEKWINI Municipality has confirmed that all strike action has come to an end.

The city’s refuse removal services have resumed and its Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees reported to work on Tuesday, 9 January.

“Refuse removal services resumed after the municipality gave all striking EPWP employees an ultimatum to report to work on Monday afternoon, 8 January or face having their contracts terminated,” explained Ethekwini Municipality’s deputy head of communication, Mandla Nsele.

Read also: City steps in to resume Amanzimtoti recycling collections 

“Before the ultimatum was given to EPWP employees, the municipality had an extensive consultation with the employees on Sunday, 7 January where they agreed to return to work with immediate effect.”

However, workers continued to embark on strike action demanding full time employment while preventing some cleansing and solid waste unit employees from executing their duties.

The municipality assured residents that all previously disturbed operations have resumed and strike action has been called off.

“Human resource capacity has been increased to ensure the refuse removal backlog is cleared by the end of this week,” said Nsele. “Residents are urged to exercise patience during this time, as the city works around the clock to clear the waste collection backlog.”

The city apologised to both residents and businesses for any inconvenience caused.

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