2009-01-30: Johannesburg Metro Police goes on strike
MEMBERS of staff employed by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will, on Monday 02 February 2009, embark on a protected strike action, this after the Labour Court ruled in favour of SAMWU therefore declaring the strike protected.
The strike action culminates from the inability of the parties to agree on the following demands made by the union:
That the Licensing Station Manager be suspended.
That the Deputy Director internal affairs be suspended and
That JMPD should not re-engage retirees.
As a principle, the City of Johannesburg supports the right of workers to exercise their right to strike as enshrined in our country's Constitution and the Labour Relations Act. In the exercise of this fundamental right, those involved are expected to also recognise the rights of those that have elected not to participate in the strike and those of our people who need to access municipal services, in particular essential services. It is hoped that SAMWU members will, in the exercise of their rights, adhere to principles of good behaviour and accord respect to other employees not on strike and the community in the exercise of their right to access services without fear of intimidation.
The City of Johannesburg wishes to assure residents it is doing do everything possible to attain a return to normality by resolving the strike speedily and attempting to minimise disruptions of services.
Accordingly, the City acknowledges that there might be disruptions to certain services such as at the licensing and testing stations but will endeavour to minimise same. Should there be disruptions experienced, the City appeals for the public's patience and understanding while the city will be continuing to engage with the unions to find a speedy resolution to this matter.
The City will also like to assure residents that other essential services such as emergency services, water, electricity, sanitation, bus services, refuse removal and all other City services, save for JMPD ONLY are not affected by the strike and will continue as normal.
As usual, the City will apply the principle of "No work no pay" for employees participating in the JMPD strike who enjoy protection, and will act against any employees misconducting themselves in the exercise of their right to strike.
As a matter of course, the striking JMPD employees are expected to gather in Beyers Naude Square, in the CBD from 8am, from where they will then march to the Council offices at Metro Centre, Braamfontein at 10h00.
All motorists planning to travel to the CBD are advised that traffic is likely to be affected from 10 am on Monday the 02 February 2009 on the following roads: President Street (between Sauer and Rissik Street) and Rissik Street ( between President and De Korte Street).
Issued by:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Deputy Director: Communications
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
