City of Tshwane granted permanent interdict against striking employees

The Labour Court in Johannesburg has granted the City of Tshwane a permanent interdict against its striking employees.

The Metropolitan Municipality had approached the court on an urgent basis after striking employees intimidated non-striking employees and caused damage to property.

CITY OF TSHWANE GRANTED PERMANENT INTERDICT AGAINST STRIKING WORKERS

A number of employees who are affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) have been fired for participating in the strike which was declared unlawful and unprotected.

The workers took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction over the 0% wage and salary increase for 2023-2024 passed by the council, among other issues.

Incidents of sabotage and intimidation have been reported in various parts of Tshwane to an extent that some services have been withdrawn and non-striking employees have been injured or affected.

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Following the ruling, the municipality said it hopes that the striking workers will respect and comply with the permanent court order.

City Manager Johann Mettler said it is important to note that the court restricts employees from participating in the unlawful strike action and performing any acts in continuance or furtherance therefor.

“In addition, this permanent interdict confirms that strikers are restrained from performing any acts of destruction of any private or public property, or performing acts of intimidation towards any of the City’s employees,” Mettler said.

Meanwhile, the South African Local Bargaining Council, has dismissed the City of Tshwane’s application to be exempted from having to pay salary increases to municipal employees.

Tshwane Executive Mayor, Cilliers Brink has repeatedly pleaded poverty due to the City’s financial standing and it could therefore not be able to afford an addition R600million salary bill.

In 2021, the Council has instructed municipalities to implement 3,5%, 4,9% and 5,4% salary increase for 2021,2022 and 2023 respectively. The City has failed to implement the final increment as of the 1 July 2023.

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