eThekwini obtains interdict against striking workers
A strike by eThekwini municipal workers has entered its third day.
Scores of workers continue to protest in various parts of the city, allegedly stopping vehicles, overturning bins, and damaging water meters.
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) says workers in eThekwini are paid less than their colleagues in other metros.
Meanwhile, the city has labelled the strike unauthorised and unlawful.
Spokesperson Gugu Sisilana says the city has obtained a court interdict against striking workers.
READ: eThekwini waste collection services disrupted by strike
"The municipality is extremely concerned about the violence accompanied by intimidation and damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The interdict against striking employees, as well as those who are members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union, prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the City's activities, services, and operations.
"It further restrains the striking employees from intimidating, harassing, assaulting, threatening or perpetrating acts of violence against employees, service providers or those accessing offices or workstations. The order also mandates employees to comply with their contracts of employment and comply with the Act, as committing unlawful conduct constitutes misconduct, and this could result in disciplinary action.
"Employees are also interdicted from taking part in or instigating unlawful, disruptive, or riotous behaviour that may result in damage to municipal property, the infringement of rights of others, damage to any service delivery vehicles or hindering, obstructing or blocking municipal vehicles."
