SAMWU hoping to reach deal with CoJ over R10.3m back pay dispute
On Thursday, 10,000 civil workers went on strike following collapsed talks between union leaders and city officials. Their action brought traffic on the M1 and M2 to a standstill.
Striking workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers' Union down tools on 22 August 2024, demanding back pay amounting to R10.3 million from the City of Joburg. Picture: Mongezi Koko/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) said it hopes to reach an agreement with the City of Johannesburg over a R10.3 million back pay dispute.
On Thursday, 10,000 civil workers went on strike following collapsed talks between union leaders and city officials. Their action brought traffic on the M1 and M2 to a standstill.
Unfortunate motorists found themselves gridlocked for just over three hours on one of Johannesburg’s busiest highways when the disgruntled workers closed off the M1 and M2 routes along with their adjacent on-ramps.
[WATCH] Hundreds of Joburg city workers affiliated to municipal workers union SAMWU have gathered in Braamfontein as they prepare to embark on a strike this afternoon.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 22, 2024
JMPD has warned that the M1 and M2 highways will be heavily affected/closed today.@MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/BxOU4jf8ls
[WATCH] Hundreds of Joburg city workers affiliated to municipal workers union SAMWU have gathered in Braamfontein as they prepare to embark on a strike this afternoon.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 22, 2024
JMPD has warned that the M1 and M2 highways will be heavily affected/closed today.@MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/BxOU4jf8ls
The strike saw no violent outbreaks or squabbles, remaining peaceful until the very end.
This, however, does not mean workers will return to work or desist from embarking on yet another strike.
Deputy regional secretary of SAMWU Richard Moila said: "City, you owe these employees R10.3 million. So, we say to them, if R10.3 million is too much for them, they must put something to show how they are going to pay it."
Meanwhile, the Office of the Premier has agreed to hear the workers’ grievances and find a solution.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said they are on high alert in case the protest resumes on Friday morning.