WATCH | SAMWU strike: Workers determined to put CoJ's operations on standstill

JOHANNESBURG - The M1 highway in Braamfontein has been completely closed off to traffic on Thursday afternoon. 

This comes after at least 10,000 workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in Johannesburg downed tools blocking the busy route with dump trucks.

The Pikitup workers and city administrators are demanding back pay amounting to R10.3 million that they say the metro has failed to pay. 

Hundreds of disgruntled civil workers affiliated to SAMWU have gathered in the heart of Braamfontein cheering each other on as they begin their strike. 
 
Taking to Empire Road before merging onto one of the city’s busiest highways, the M1 and then the M2 - the workers have no intention of turning back. 
 
The union says not only will traffic be disrupted but operations of the city as well.
 
There is a heavy police presence comprising the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department members as well as South African Police Service members - who have also warned motorists about the massive traffic disruptions particularly on the M1 and M2 highways

About three helicopters continue circling above the striking workers, ready to quell any trouble.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says no reports of violence have been recorded.

“Despite the closure, it is reported that the members are not violent, and officers have been deployed to divert traffic.”

SAMWU says the strike will continue until a mutually beneficial way forward is found.