Public order police roped in to protect Pikitup depots from protesting casual workers
Contract workers embarked on a demonstration this week, blocking entrances to the Norwood, Selby, Marlboro, Randburg, Diepsloot, Midrand, and Roodepoort depots.
Casual workers at Pikitup staged a protest over employment contracts outside the Randburg depot on Thursday 16 May 2024. Picture: Mongezi Koko/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg refuse collection company, Pikitup, has roped in additional support to protect its depots from protesting workers.
Public order police have been deployed to remove protesters obstructing some of its depots.
Contract workers embarked on a demonstration this week, blocking entrances to the Norwood, Selby, Marlboro, Randburg, Diepsloot, Midrand, and Roodepoort depots.
They are all demanding permanent employment at the waste management company.
Pikitup spokesperson, Muzi Mkhwanazi, said that despite the police deployment, the company remains committed to engaging with workers to find an amicable solution.
"It is important to clarify that the current protest action is not a strike by Pikitup's employees but by casual workers. This means that members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), the recognised unions within the organisation, are not on strike."