KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has urged the uMngeni Local Municipality and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) to find an amicable solution to the labour dispute.
This follows reports that members of Samwu in the municipality have been engaged in a week-long strike over salary adjustments, which has crippled service delivery in the municipality.
“The granting of a court order yesterday by the Durban Labour Court, compelling workers to halt their illegal strike, is an opportunity for both parties to iron out a solution to this dispute,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.
She said while they welcome the fact that workers have gone back to work, they also want law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals, who have played a role in the destruction of public property during the strike.
According to reports, a group of disgruntled employees at the municipality went on the rampage at the weekend, setting offices on fire and dumping piles of rubbish outside the mayor’s house.
“It is unacceptable that criminal elements infiltrate a strike by workers, causing destruction of public property. This diverts valuable municipal resources from service delivery to poor communities,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.
She also urged the Msunduzi Municipality to find a way to resolve the go-slow by waste removal workers in Pietermaritzburg, which has led to the non-collection of refuse since last week.
“The non-collection of refuse needs to be resolved as soon as possible, as this could pose a serious health risk to residents.
“The city is also receiving thousands of visitors this week, who are coming to the royal show, and others will be taking part in the Comrades Marathon. These major events have huge economic benefits for the city and we therefore want to see the city putting its best foot forward,” said the MEC. – SAnews.gov.za
