 |
| Welcome to BuaNews, the gateway to quick and fresh government news and information |
| Home | Today's stories | This week's stories | Last week's stories | Other Features | International News | User policy |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 02 Oct 2007 Title: Joburg condemns intimidation in strike --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg has condemned the acts of intimidation by striking municipal workers. The municipality expressed concern over incidents of intimidation on Monday, the first day of the planned two-day strike by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). SAMWU embarked on a march in the Johannesburg city centre on Monday, with demands including the reinstatement of free transport to work and back and an end to casualisation of jobs. "There were incidents of intimidation of workers at the City Hall Centre in Roodepoort. Employees reported that they were threatened with violence if they returned to their work stations by four people claiming to be SAMWU members. "Outside the municipality's Loveday Street offices, a SAMWU senior executive hurled insults and threatened to assault a city official," the municipality said in a statement on Monday. Apparently mounted police had to shield the official with their horses. "The city condemns such incidents in the strongest terms and calls on SAMWU to act with restraint during their strike. Actions should be taken against elements bent on intimidation and violence." The municipality urged its employees to continue rendering services to the public. "It also calls for SAMWU to return to the negotiation table in order to assist in achieving a speedy resolution to their grievances," the statement said. Service delivery in the city was largely unaffected. The strike did not have a material influence on the city's department's and companies, as between 70 and 90 percent of employees turned up for work. However, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department experienced a low staff turnout resulting in slow services at the licensing department. "The City of Johannesburg regrets these delays and apologises to the public for any inconvenience. The city is committed to doing whatever is necessary to minimise the service delivery disruption." - BuaNews |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
