End of Pikitup strike imminent – Mayor Tau

07 April 2016

 

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau is hopeful the protracted strike by more than 4 500 members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union, which has severely disrupted waste collection services in the city, will come to an end by this weekend.

 

Mayor Tau told a special council meeting on Wednesday (April 6) that negotiations between Pikitup, the City’s waste management entity, and SAMWU were likely to yield “positive results” by this weekend.

”We agreed as council that a solution was needed. The situation has gone on for far too long. Everybody is affected, more so the residents. I’m inclined to say the strike may be over by Friday (April 8),” Mayor Tau said at a media briefing afterwards.

More than 4500 Pikitup employees went on an illegal work stoppage last month, demanding a wage increment and the dismissal of Pikitup Managing Director Amanda Nair. For over a month garbage has been piling up on the streets and pavements of Johannesburg.

Mayor Tau said one of the City’s concerns was the health risk posed by the effects of the strike. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases earlier this month warned that the high population of flies and rodents as a result of the piling up of garbage was a threat to the health of residents – especially children – in high-density areas such as Hillbrow and Alexandra, as well as informal settlements.

“I must say it’s not easy for everyone. As the City we’re spending more money in hiring outside labour. Employees are losing out on salaries as the strike is unprotected. Residents find themselves in a filthy environment,” said Cllr Tau.

He said attempts to ease the situation had been constantly met with intimidation and threats.

”We had to solicit the help of law enforcement agencies and security companies. All of this at a cost,” the Mayor said.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure and Environment Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe said the City was committed to investigating allegations levelled against Nair.

”In fact, an independent body is already on the case. We’re waiting for it to finalise its investigation and report back to us with recommendations. We’ll definitely abide by the recommendations,” said MMC Mfikoe.

”You can’t just remove someone. There are processes and steps that need to be taken,” she said.

Council Speaker Connie Bapela thanked communities for their patience during the strike.