Tshwane Municipal Worker Strike: SAHRC and Public Protector Urged for Intervention

Calls to end the ongoing Tshwane municipal workers strike have escalated as more political parties join the appeal. The strike, which has persisted for three weeks, has disrupted essential services and left residents grappling with water and electricity outages and uncollected waste. According to IOL, the striking workers are demanding a 5.4% salary increase from July, a demand the municipality claims cannot meet due to financial constraints. Amid concerns over the health and safety of residents, political parties are urging intervention to resolve the impasse.

Cope, the Congress of the People is the latest political party to call for action. Party spokesperson Dennis Bloem has urged the South African Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector to urgently intervene to defuse tensions between the municipal management and the striking workers. Bloem stressed that these institutions should not wait until the situation worsens or lives are lost before taking action.

Also read: Samwu Accuses Tshwane Metro of Dishonesty After Shooting Incident

Cosatu, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, has expressed interest in joining the strike in solidarity with the workers, adding momentum to the labour action. However, the DA (Democratic Alliance) has taken a different stance, urging Samwu to take immediate and decisive action to rein in its members and cease the violence and intimidation that marred the strike.

Amid the growing strife, the City of Tshwane has responded by issuing letters of dismissal to around 100 employees who participated in the illegal strike. However, this move has faced criticism and backlash from parties like the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters), which is now advocating for the reinstatement of the terminated municipal workers. EFF regional leader Obakeng Ramabodu highlighted the need to address the humanitarian aspect of the situation and reinstate workers who are breadwinners for their families.

Ramabodu further stressed the urgency for a dialogue involving the city council in finding a solution. The EFF leader criticised the city council’s handling of the situation, describing it as reactionary and ineffective. Amid the ongoing strike and its consequences for essential services and residents, political parties are calling for swift action to end the standoff and restore normalcy to the city.

Also read:

Unions Urge Protection for Non-Striking Workforce Amid Tshwane Strike

Picture: X / POWER987News

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