Another workers' protest looms in eThekwini
The Municipal and Allied Trade Union of South Africa (MATUSA) has obtained a certificate permitting the strike, it’s understood, however, that it's still consulting its members.
DURBAN - The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality says it is aware of another looming protest by yet another union in the city.
Eyewitness News understands that the Municipal and Allied Trade Union of South Africa (MATUSA) wants to approach the city on what it terms a blanket approach on the strike recently held by eThekwini workers affiliated with the union South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
The latter demanded a wage increase from the metro.
And while MATUSA has obtained a certificate permitting the strike, it’s believed to be still consulting its members.
Speaking to journalists on the sideline of the council meeting on Tuesday, this is what city manager Musa Mbhele said.
“Yes, we’ve heard about it but I haven’t seen a formal notification of when they are going to be starting, we’ve heard about it.”
He added that authorities will address the protest when they see it as they have scant details on the planned protest.
“I haven’t even seen the application itself or the actual approval from the relevant authorities for them to embark on a protest, so we will cross that bridge when we reach it.”
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Meanwhile, power outages and water cuts have continued in the metro for two weeks following the SAMWU strike.
Rubbish has piled up on the streets across the metro, and some essential services have not been available.
There are growing calls from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for the municipality to compensate affected ratepayers.
DA municipal spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana: “The city understands the inconvenience and frustration that comes with being without electricity for an extended period. Teams are working tirelessly to address the situation which was exacerbated by the illegal strike action and vandalism of critical infrastructure.”
The metro has also announced the resumption of refuse collection aimed at alleviating some of the burden on residents.