Some EMPD members to challenge final warnings received for striking over salaries

JOHANNESBURG - Some Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) members who were slapped with pre-dismissal letters for striking over salaries have also received final warnings, which they will be challenging at the Local Government Bargaining Council (LGBC).

In March, about 300 officers took to the streets, calling for salary adjustments, overtime pay, and night allowance.

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In response, the City of Ekurhuleni sent them pre-dismissal letters that have since been reversed following engagements with unions.

Members represented by the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU) will be challenging the final warnings they have now received.

MECSU General Secretary Vukile Mlungwana said, "While the majority of the people who made honest and factual representations, getting a harsher sentence like final written warning to be kept in the employee file for 12 months, these inconsistent sanctions for a similar conduct were imposed by different officials of the city, who were told which sanctions to impose. This is unprecedented in the City of Ekurhuleni."