SAMWU joins sympathy strike

By Tando Mfengwana
12 June 2007

The SA Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) will embark on a sympathy strike on Wednesday in support of the ongoing public service sector industrial action.

This after the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) applied for an interdict restricting workers from striking, which the Labour Court dismissed with costs.

“We are so excited about the judgement today, SAMWU has been vindicated by the allegation brought before the court, alleging the primacy on the strike itself to the public servants, and the whole question of essential services,” says SAMWU General Secretary Mthandeki Nhlapo.

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has put in place contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption of services during the strike.

Workers in essential services may not go out on strike. These are Health Services, Traffic Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Provision of Water, Electricity and Sanitation and Metro Police

"While the City respects the right of employees to strike, its first duty is to ensure minimal disruption of services. All municipal offices will be open for business as usual,” says City Manager Achmat Ebrahim.

“Residents should treat Wednesday as a normal collection day for refuse removal and put out their bins if their collection normally takes place on a Wednesday,” he added.

Cosatu has also been granted permission to picket in the Cape Town city centre on Wednesday from 1pm until 2:30pm. A march will take place from Keizergracht into Darling Street, left into Buitenkant, right into Roeland and then to the National Parliament.