2010-04-12: Joburg's essential services operational
THE City of Johannesburg has reported that most of its essential services operated reasonably well today.
This is after a municipal workers strike called for by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) started today.
Work attendance figures were still been consolidated at different departments and Municipal Owned Entities (MOEs) were still being submitted and passed on to the SA Local Government Association (SALGA) which is co-ordinating key issues related to the strike.
There were, however, several challenges experienced at various departments and Municipal-Owned Entities (MOEs) where services were disrupted. This included Pikitup where rubbish bins could not be collected, Metrobus where buses could not convey passengers, Joburg Water, Johannesburg City Parks, Revenue and Customers Services.
The situation at the City’s clinics was positive and all is in operation.
The City of Johannesburg supports the constitutional right to engage on a strike in compliance with the Labour Relations Act.
However, in the exercise of this fundamental right, SAMWU must ensure that its members respect and uphold the rights of those that have elected not to strike and in particular those operating in essential services. In this regard the City calls on the union leadership to ensure that SAMWU members refrain from any act of intimidation or lawlessness whilst exercising their right to strike.
There were disturbing reports of acts of intimidation and violence against non-striking employees. While these acts have not as yet seriously impacted on service delivery the City is concerned that further acts of violence or intimidation could put the lives/safety of non-striking employees at risk as well as compromise essential service provision. The City takes such reports seriously and will institute an investigation. Those who will be found to have acted in breach of the law will be dealt with accordingly.
The City supports the efforts by the SALGA in resolving outstanding issues with SAMWU through further negotiations. We call on SAMWU to engage with the negotiating process and to seek solutions that will serve the best interest of their members as well as of all communities in Johannesburg who are dependent on the delivery of essential services.
The City is committed to do its best in ensuring that at least minimum service delivery takes place during the strike. Where problems are experienced, the City apologises and reiterates its commitment to resolve the strike as soon as possible.
However in an event that customers experience problems with any of its services, there are contingency plans in place.
Residents who may find pay-points for water and lights not operating are advised to make use of the EasyPay outlets such as Pick ‘n Pay; Shoprite Checkers; Woolworths; major banking institutions and the SA Post Office.
These places will accept municipal account statements for recording payment.
On the Metrobus, residents are advised to make alternative travel rrangements and they will be credited for the expired trips due to the strike.
On waste collection, any visit missed will be conducted the following week of the same day. Pikitup’s refuse collection schedule has been affected following a national Municipal strike action on Monday 12 April 2010. The strike affects Pikitup’s refuse collection from residential dwellings, businesses, bulk and dailies (restaurants) services.
All our 42 garden sites and four landfill sites will remain open for the private disposal of garden waste and general waste respectively.
An update will be provided regarding contingencies or when normal operations will resume as soon as information about the duration and resolution of the strike is received from the relevant authorities.
Cemeteries are expected to cope with present available graveyards. New dates will be set for driving licence tests if candidates were unable to get service on the date previously arranged.
Having received the memorandum the City is satisfied that issues raised would be addressed by SALGA. As such, the memorandum has been escalated to SALGA
The Call Centre of the city could also be contacted at 011 375 5555, for advice.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents affected by the strike.
Issued by: City of Johannesburg
Nthatisi Modingoane
Deputy Director: Communications
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: 011 407 7354
Fax: 011 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za