Intimidation remains a major concern on second day of municipal workers' strike
The second day of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) strike has unfortunately brought with it an unacceptable level of violence as well as increased incidents of intimidation directed at non-striking workers.
"As a result of the violence the City will be seeking an interdict against the continuation of the strike by SAMWU members. In addition, should SAMWU and its members continue to behave in the manner displayed thus far, the City will have no option but to take whatever action is lawfully necessary to ensure the safety of its employees, the community and public property," said Alderman Demetri Qually Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services.
Residents are requested to please report any acts of violence or vandalism related to the strike as well as incidents of intimidation or harassment of members of the public or employees not participating in the strike to the Metro Police Control Centre on 021 596 1999.
Today 5170 City staff or 21% of the City's workforce was absent from work without authorisation. The increase in absenteeism suggests that the City's implementation of stricter internal controls has had an impact, i.e. hourly checks to ensure staff cannot clock in for work and then leave again to participate in the strike. However, approximately 1200 SAMWU members participated today in the march to the Civic Centre to hand over a memorandum to SALGA.
The practise of coming in to work first seems to be part of SAMWU members' strategy of trying to intimidate their colleagues into participating in the strike and hindering the delivery of municipal services. The City is investigating a possible case of abduction of two staff members in the northern suburbs who refused to participate in the strike. Evidence will be collected and disciplinary action will be taken against staff involved in intimidation or disturbances.
In terms of service delivery, the strike has had a significant impact on refuse collection. The City's crews worked late into last night to try and address the backlog, but unfortunately could not clear all of it.
Refuse was therefore not collected in the following areas:
|
Atlantic collections area |
Bishops Court, Cape Town CBD, Claremont, Dunoon, Gardens, Harfield, Kensington, Kenwyn, Langa, Lansdowne, Milnerton, Milnerton Ridge, Newlands, Observatory, Pinelands, Rosebank, Royal Ascot, Salt River, Sea Point, Summer Greens, Sunset Beach, Woodstock |
|
Tierberg collections area |
Athlone, Belthorn, Bellville CBD, Bridgetown, De Uitsig, Elsies River, Goodwood, Parow, Parow Valley, Penlyn Estate, Protea Valley, Proteaville, Rylands, Heideveld, Manenberg, Newfields Estate, Sherwood Park, Uitsig, Van Riebeeckshof, Vygiekraal Village |
|
Impuma collections area |
Brackenfell, Belhar, Eerste River, Eerste River (Trade), Parts of Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Scottsdene, Scottsville |
|
Two Oceans collections area |
Gugulethu North, Gugulethu South, Nyanga, Crossroads |
Residents are reminded that if their refuse is not collected by 21:00 on the scheduled collection day, they should please move their bins back inside their properties and place them out, together with any accumulation of bagged refuse, the following week on the scheduled day. In informal settlements, residents must please make use of the shipping containers placed throughout the area. The City will keep residents informed of the unfolding situation or amendments to this arrangement as required.
Residents are urged to assist the City during this time by not dumping waste and by not letting wet waste accumulate if not collected. The following drop-off sites will be open for domestic refuse on Mondays to Saturdays from 08:30 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 09:00 to 14:00:
|
Atlantis |
Dassenberg Road |
|
Belhar |
Adam Tas Road |
|
De Grendel |
Cnr 5th Ave and Bertie Genade St, Parow |
|
Delft |
Fabriek Street |
|
Gordon's Bay |
Sir Lowry's Pass Road |
|
Hout Bay |
Main Road, near Mandela Road |
|
Killarney |
Potsdam Road |
|
Kommetjie |
Kommetjie Road |
|
Ladies Mile |
Ladies Mile Road, Constantia |
|
Macassar |
Kramat Road |
|
Ravensmead |
Industrial Ring Road |
|
Retreat |
10th Avenue |
|
Schaapkraal |
Old Schaapkraal Road |
|
Sea Point |
Tramway Road |
|
Simon's Town |
Blue Waters Close |
|
Tygerdal |
Orange Street |
|
Welgelegen |
Akademie Street |
|
Wynberg |
Rosmead Avenue |
|
Woodstock |
Beach Road |
Drop-off facilities are also available at the following disposal facilities:
|
Athlone Transfer Station |
Off Bunga Drive |
|
Bellville South Landfill Site |
Off Sacks Circle |
|
Coastal Park Landfill Site |
Off Baden Powell Drive |
|
Kraaifontein Facility |
Cnr Maroela and Sandringham Roads |
|
Vissershok Landfill Site |
Off Frankdale Road |
For any queries regarding the drop-off facilities, residents can contact 021 442 8136.
The strike by members of the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) is still due to commence on Friday 19 August 2011.
Both strikes will run until wage negotiations with SALGA are finalised. SALGA has confirmed that it cannot afford to meet the demand of an 18% wage increase, and its latest offer is 6,08%.
The City apologises for any inconvenience during this difficult period and asks residents for their patience and cooperation to ensure that the city stays clean and safe in the weeks to come.
For any enquiries, residents can contact the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
Statement issued by Alderman Demetri Qually, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, City of Cape Town, August 16 2011
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