Lifeguards threaten to down tools for Ironman

A SHOWDOWN is looming between Nelson Mandela Bay municipal lifeguards and the municipality, with the lifeguards threatening not to work during the Easter holidays and the Standard Bank Ironman African Championship.

Tension between the municipality and the 26 lifeguards has been simmering for months as they demand permanent jobs.

Lifeguard contracts end in April, when the summer season comes to a close.

Disgruntled lifeguards from Humewood Beach, Hobie Beach and Kings Beach staged a sit-in outside the Humewood Beach Office earlier this month.

Lifeguards, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said the municipality promised them permanent jobs last week but nothing had happened to secure the deal.

“We are treated with disdain,” one lifeguard said.

“They [municipality] cannot accommodate lifeguards who look after the lives of others.

“We request that all lifeguards be made permanent, failing which we will down tools during the Ironman and Easter holidays.”

He said they had requested a meeting with mayor Athol Trollip and city manager Johann Mettler via a letter.

Mayoral spokesman Sibongile Dimbaza confirmed receipt of the letter but said Trollip did not take kindly to threats.

“It cannot be expected that someone on a temporary contract will automatically move to a full-time contract,” Dimbaza said.

He said lifeguards should submit a new letter that did not include threatening language.

“Contractually, they are expected to be on duty for the full duration of Ironman,” Dimbaza said.

“Any act aimed at sabotaging the event will be in contravention of the contract they signed.”

Asked if the municipality had a contingency plan should the lifeguards down tools, Dimbaza said: “Our position is clear. We have a contract which is binding on both parties.

“We expect lifeguards to be on duty during the duration of the events.”

The Standard Bank Ironman African Championship takes place on April 2.