BCM workers ‘waiting months for Covid risk allowances’
Samwu says there is no strike or protest at the moment
Buffalo City Metro employees gathering at East London City Hall on Wednesday expressed their dismay at the municipality’s non-payment of their Covid-19 risk allowances since June.
After the meeting, Oxford Street in the CBD was trashed, allegedly by the employees from the gathering as a form of protest, a claim Samwu leadership vehemently denies.
Regional Samwu secretary Goodman Nombila said the workers were not protesting. “We as the union gathered with BCM workers to address them about the stance the leadership of BCM is taking in terms of paying the employees their Covid-19 risk allowance,” Nombila said.
“We are not striking or protesting at the moment, but were are addressing the employees about different purpose.”
When the Dispatch arrived at Oxford Street around midday, some bins were seen tilted with plastic packets and sheets of paper were strewn all over.
Nombila said the employees had not received their risk allowance since June.
“We have been sending proposals and holding meetings with BCM management, but they do not show any interest in meeting the union or the employees,” he said.
“We are still taking the mandate from the employees, as this is the first time this year we are addressing the matter and it will then consolidate as Samwu. Afterwards we will see the way forward.”
He emphasised that the employees were not protesting.
“This is the first day we addressed the employees. We are not sure how long it will take, as it will depend on the decision they [BCM employees] take. Our members are disciplined; they will never allow themselves to sabotage what they are fighting for,” he said.
BCM raised concerns on what it called disruptive and unruly behaviour by some of their employees.
We are not sure how long it will take... Our members are disciplined; they will never allow themselves to sabotage what they are fighting for
“We would like to condemn the actions of service disruptions and intimidation that have been reported in some parts of the city,” BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said.
Ngwenya said there was no dispute that had been declared by labour unions.
“We are in the process of seeking an urgent court interdict to bar those that are participating in unprotected illegal industrial action. We will also be instituting a ‘No work, No Pay’ policy and we will be taking other stringent measures against any employees in violation of their employment contracts,” Ngwenya said.
“We apologise profusely to residents for any inconvenience incurred and assure the public that we are giving the matter the seriousness attention it deserves.”