CT firefighters asked to leave stations after refusing to work overtime

Some firefighters refused to work a 24-hour shift and only worked for eight hours after they claimed that they were not being paid for overtime work.

A fire engine at the Roeland Street fire station in Cape Town. Picture: Kaylynn Palm/EWN

Kaylynn Palm | 138 days ago

CAPE TOWN - The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) on Tuesday said Cape Town firefighters would not budge from their demands for overtime pay.

Some firefighters refused to work a 24-hour shift and only worked for eight hours after they claimed that they were not being paid for overtime work.

Firefighters at various stations including Belhar, Goodwood, Roeland Street and Lakeside, started work at 8 am and left at 4.30 pm on Tuesday. Samwu said the firefighters were then told to pack their bags and leave.

#CTfirefighters Firefighters who have refused to work overtime shifts have been instructed to leave fire stations in Cape Town.

Samwu said its firefighters would work from 8am to 4.30pm until the City of Cape Town pays them. KP pic.twitter.com/9j6W2rd3PS
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) October 1, 2019

The city said off-duty workers were asked to leave, but there was no forced removal of workers.

Law enforcement officers also visited some stations where staff members had congregated.

Samwu’s Archie Hearne said 80% of its members worked an eight-hour shift.

“Firefighters will remain steadfast in compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and work a 40-hour workweek and will start at 8 am and end at 4.30 pm.”

He added that a meeting with the union and the department was held on Tuesday.

“They will have an interventionist approach and will try to get hold of the City of Cape Town and bring the parties together.”

The city said it would take disciplinary action against the firefighters who refused to work overtime.

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