Municipal strike called off, for now
THE threats by employees of the Polokwane Local Municipality in Limpopo to embark on a strike have been temporarily thwarted after the council obtained a court interdict to prohibit the action.
Members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) had threatened to go on strike yesterday to demand that management implement some of the resolutions agreed to by the union and management last year.
Among those resolutions was the absorption of temporary workers within the municipality.
The union had claimed that R20-million had been set aside to absorb the temporary workers, the finalisation of the organogram and placement of staff thereof; and the supply of protective clothing and better salaries.
Following the threats, the municipality then went to the high court to apply for an interdict, which was granted on Tuesday.
Municipal spokesman Simon Mokoatedi confirmed yesterday that the court had ruled in favour of the municipality and that any of their employees who proceeded to embark on a strike action would face consequences.
The union was first granted a certificate to issue a notice to embark on a strike action.
The municipality then lodged a challenge with the Labour Court, and also applied for an interdict to stop the strike.
But Samwu provincial secretary Simon Mathe said yesterday the action would continue in a few days ’ time.
He said they would go to the bargaining council to get a new certificate to apply for permission to strike. –