Unions Urge Protection for Non-Striking Workforce Amid Tshwane Strike

Amidst the ongoing strike action by Samwu, two unions representing approximately 16,000 Tshwane metro employees have appealed to the metro authorities to ensure the safety of their non-striking workforce in Tshwane.

The Tshwane strike has entered its fourth week. It has been marked by sporadic incidents of violence and intimidation across various regions, prompting unions to demand swift action.

Furthermore, attacks have escalated, with an employee recently injured in a shooting and hijacking and bus services remaining suspended for nearly a month due to intimidation and stoning. The strike has also caused disruptions, such as tampering with a water valve in Soshanguve, resulting in dry reservoirs and patients being forcefully evacuated from clinics.

The strike’s aftermath has seen around 100 employees dismissed for participating in the unlawful strike or intimidating their non-striking colleagues.

Despite the Labour Court granting Tshwane an interim interdict against the strikers on July 30, the destruction has continued for nearly a month.

Amid this turmoil, the Independent Municipal & Allied Trade Union (Imatu) and the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) have raised concerns over the safety of non-striking workers.

Also read: Cilliers Brink: City of Tshwane Faces Budget Constraints on Wage Increases

Imatu’s Tshwane manager, Lynette Burns-Coetzee, highlighted the persistent intimidation, harassment, and violence faced by Imatu members not participating in the strike. She stressed that the metro had done little to alleviate this issue and called for a safe work environment for members to render their services.

Samwu Gauteng secretary Mpho Tladinyane echoed the sentiment, demanding Tshwane’s accountability for failing to protect its staff. He revealed instances where workers were attacked, robbed, and assaulted while on duty, underscoring the need for a safe working environment per the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Tladinyane denied the allegations that Samwu members were involved in widespread attacks, instead insisting that the responsibility for safety lies with the municipality. He cited employee attacks and injuries during service complaints in high-risk areas.

While Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba acknowledged the challenges of providing police escorts to teams attending service interruptions, he emphasised the metro’s commitment to identifying ring leaders and ensuring prompt service delivery.

As the strike’s ramifications persist, the appeals from the unions underscore the urgency for decisive action to protect the non-striking workforce and restore stability to Tshwane’s community.

Source: Protect our members – Tshwane workers unions demand

Also read:

Samwu Accuses Tshwane Metro of Dishonesty After Shooting Incident

Picture: Facebook / SAMWU

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