2011-08-19: City thanks employees for staying on the job during strike

THERE was more than 90% attendance record among the city employees throughout the week - including today (Friday).

None of the essential services provided by the city were materially affected by the strike and the majority of employees reported for normal duties.

The march through the city streets organised for today did not produce the mass turnout predicted by the union. The bulk of the estimated 800 participants were bused in from outside the city while City of Joburg employees continued with their daily tasks.

The City supports the current bargaining process conducted at the level of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) between the employer and public sector unions. Both sides have placed their proposals on the table and the City is confident that an amicable agreement will soon be reached.

It is in the best interest of both workers and local government that these talks take place in a reasonable environment which is not influenced by intimidation or violence.

As a city we care about our residents - including our employees who are also ratepayers. Unreasonable wage demands can only be met with an increase in taxes and rates for services which will have an impact on all residents.

The City of Johannesburg has thanked its employees who performed their normal duties with great distinction throughout the past week - despite the South African Municipal Workers' Union call for strike action.

Issued by:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Telephone: 011 407 7354
Fax: 011 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: Nthatisem@joburg.org.za​