Kingdom Mabuza

Kingdom Mabuza

The SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) will meet residents of various areas in Ekurhuleni to explain the reasons behind its strike.

The strike, which is in its third week, has resulted in uncollected rubbish lining the pavements of the region. In most townships, the situation is worsened by lack of enough space on pedestrian walks, resulting in garbage littering the streets.

Water from leaking pipes and faulty street lights has been left unattended by workers who have vowed not to return to work until the Ekurhuleni municipality meets their demands.

Samwu leadership held a meeting with the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) leadership yesterday and resolved to jointly address residents.

"Sanco agreed to support our strike and together we will be addressing communities this week," said Samwu spokesman Koena Ramotlou.

He said their demands for salary increases, permanent employment for workers on contracts and that executive mayor Duma Nkosi should be axed, have not changed. Sanco regional secretary Irene Nxumalo said the meeting with Samwu had enlightened the civic organisation.

"Their demands are reasonable and we support them. We will be holding a special regional committee meeting this Sunday to decide on how we can help to make sure that their demands are met," she said.

Nxumalo said filth that had been accumulating over three weeks had affected residents and shop owners. "But communities understand the grievances of workers and they blame the council for refusing to meet their demands."

Rand Water Board workers have threatened to join the strike today should management insist on a 9percent increase instead of the 18percent demanded by workers.