2011-09-11: Johannesburg Emergency Management Services goes on strike​

MEMBER of the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) will, on Monday 12 September 2011, embark on a protected strike action.

The strike action comes as results of a number of allegations made by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) against the Acting Chief of EMS.

Johannesburg supports the right of workers to exercise their rights 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 strike and those of our people who need to access municipal services, in particular essential services.

The City of Johannesburg wishes to assure residents it will make necessary arrangements to minimize disruptions of services.

However, the City acknowledges that there might be disruptions to certain services such as ambulance and fire services.

The Johannesburg EMS has signed a Minimum Service Agreement with the Union (SAMWU) and has urged the union leadership to ensured this agreement is honoured for the duration of the strike.

We want to give residents of Johannesburg the assurance that we will do all we can to maintain our normal public services," says City's Deputy Director of Communications, Nthatisi Modingoane. "Essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal are not affected by the strike and will continue as normal."

All other council offices and pay-points will be operating as normal.

During this strike a principle of "no work, no pay" is applied to all participating employees.

Issued by:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Deputy Director: Communications
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za