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09/10/2015: SAMWU Notice of Intention to Strike
City Power is concerned at the media statement issued by South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) indicating their intention to initiate a strike action which will result in a total blackout of Johannesburg and all its suburbs.
This constitutes a threat of sabotage against the company and the residents of Johannesburg. City Power has been declared a national key point and any individual threatening to switch off the network illegally will be liable for prosecution. The rendering of electricity supply services by City Power is also classified as an essential service and the disruption of the electricity supply by a strike action is unlawful.
City Power noted that SAMWU has indicated that the intended strike is protected, yet the CCMA has not issued a certificate allowing the strike action. City Power is aware that some SAMWU members employed by the entity were misled with claims suggesting that a strike certificate has been issued.
City Power is also concerned at the unjustified attack on the credibility of Reverend Frank Chikane, the Chairperson of the Board of City Power. The Chairperson has offered SAMWU several opportunities since 31 March 2015, to present evidence to support their allegations against the management of City Power and has despite the attacks on him, presented SAMWU with yet another opportunity to do so. Allegations by the trade union that City Power is unwilling to address allegations of improper conduct are incorrect.
City Power perceives the threat by the trade union as criminal and not in the interest of the entire union membership as well as the people of Johannesburg.
In light of previous sabotage on the network, City Power has taken steps to protect the network and will pursue criminal action where necessary.
City Power remains committed to sound labour relations and reliable distribution of electricity to the citizens of Johannesburg.
Issued by
Yumna Sheik
083 714 9290
Hloni Motloung
071 637 7990
