Tempers rise as BCM workers’ smoking tyres choke metro’s main points
Smoke choked the air in BCM on Thursday as metro workers burnt tyres in East London, King William’s Town and Mdantsane’s main roads.
The city plans to interdict them soon.
The SA Municipal Workers Union vehemently denies being part of the action.
A meeting took place on Wednesday, when Samwu addressed the workers about the stance BCM employers was taking over their Covid-19 risk allowance.
“Our members were not part of the protests that were happening today.
“I was there in Mdantsane addressing the workers, and I could see people who are not union members lighting tyres,” Samwu regional secretary Goodman Nombila said.
“Our members gathered and the leadership will address them about the outcome of the local labour forum, then afterwards workers will disperse and go back to their workplace. This matter of burning tyres has nothing to do with Samwu.”
When the Dispatch arrived in front of the Mdantsane City mall, the workers were dispersing but said they would continue until BCM leadership met them halfway.
The traffic circle and road in front of the mall was black from smoke.
King William’s Town streets were strewn with litter and emptied bins.
Police in armoured vehicles were dousing abandoned flaming tyres left in the middle of the road.
When asked about the no work, no pay policy that will be instituted by BCM, Nombila said no union members would be affected.
“Our members report to their workplaces daily so I don’t understand why BCM is not going to pay them.
“I think there will be a dispute in that regard. If that happens, we will consult the employer and the employee and solve the matter,” he said.
A source who wanted to remain anonymous said: “The municipal workers have been patient for far too long. People are financially struggling. This was not the way of doing things, but the workers [are] desperate, and they want their voices to be heard.”
King William’s Town commuter Nomvuyiso Hogana was concerned about the outcome of the strike and the condition of the metro.
“I hope the workers do get what they want, as I understand their frustrations, because we live in a world where the cost of living is too high, but it is also concerning that they had to ruin our small town.”
In a statement released on Thursday by BCM, it stated that they are in the process of seeking an urgent court interdict to stop the unprotected industrial action.
“There is no approved strike taking place in the city but wildcat class actions of intimidation, hooliganism and sabotage. The workers that are burning tyres, spilling rubbish and damaging infrastructure are committing a crime against the state and its citizens,” it said.
“To sacrifice our ratepayers and residents at this expense is a serious indictment. It cannot be justified that the people of Dimbaza must sleep in the dark because workers burn their transformer.
“We are also taking action against all those that took part in this unprotected strike. We call upon the community to assist in identifying the culprits behind the destruction and damaging of property,” the statement said.