Service delivery continues on first day of municipal workers' strike
On the first day of the municipal workers' strike 3468 (17,4%) of the City's total workforce of 22 129 were reported absent without leave. Indications are that the majority of staff participating in the strike are members of SAMWU, and that less than a third of SAMWU's 10 046 members are participating in the strike.
In the City Health Directorate 82 (6 %) staff were absent without permission. In the Khayelitsha Health District work at three of the City's health facilities was disrupted, and one clinic in Masiphumele was closed. Staff from these clinics were deployed to other areas, and members of the public have been directed to alternative facilities.
In the Transport, Roads & Stormwater Directorate 721 (45%) staff were absent without permission, with the Nyanga area particularly affected.
In the Utilities Directorate (Water, Electricity and Solid Waste) 1485 (25, 3%) staff were absent without authorisation.
Of particular concern to the City are the reports of intimidation of staff and contract staff by non-striking workers. Additional law enforcement has been provided in the Khayelitsha, Killarney and Nyanga areas due to reports of intimidation.
The City has had reports of intimidation of Solid Waste staff and contractors in:
- Monwabisi and Illitha Park , Khayelitsha;
- Kommetjie Road; and
- Harare, but staff completed their waste collection round here.
A Law Enforcement Officer was assaulted at the Nyanga Terminus by striking workers. He was taken to one of the City's clinics for treatment. Staff at the City's Stocks & Stocks Building were also intimidated; and the City's driving licence testing centre in Khayelitsha was closed due to disruptions.
The City is taking a firm line on violence, damage to property and intimidation. Where cases are reported and evidence is provided, the City will investigate and prosecute if necessary. Any member of the public should also report a strike related incident to the City's metro control room on (021) 596 1999 if they observe any disruptions or damage caused by striking workers.
Refuse removal is continuing and residents are asked to leave their bins out on their normal collection days. If the wheelie bin has not been emptied on the normal collection day residents are requested to leave the wheelie bin out for the rest of the week, as the Solid Waste department will be catching up later in the week.
The principle of "no work no pay" will apply to all municipal staff during the strike. Workers in services designated as essential may not go out on strike. The designated services are:
- Municipal Health Services
- Traffic Services
- Metro Police
- Law Enforcement Services
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Provision of Water, Electricity and Sanitation
- Parts of Solid Waste (Disposal sites, collection of refuse left uncollected for 14 days or longer)
The City will be taking action against staff that participate in the strike from these designated areas.
Residents can report any disruption in service delivery to the City's call centre on 0860 103 089. The call centre is operational from 07h00 to 17h00 (Monday to Friday); 08h00 - 14h00 (Saturday) and 09h00 - 13h00 (Sunday).
The City's contingency plans will remain in place for as long as the strike continues to ensure minimal disruption of services. The City apologises to its residents for any disruptions caused. While the City respects the right of employees to strike, its first duty is to ensure service delivery to its residents.
Statement issued by Kylie Hatton, Communication Department, City of Cape Town, July 27 2009
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