The Municipality condemns the acts of intimidation and assault on its employees by striking members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). At least 17 incidents of assault were reported, and six employees had to be taken to hospital for medical attention after being assaulted. Others were allegedly forced onto buses that were going to the march by SAMWU members in the Durban City Centre. Several cases of assault have been reported to the South African Police Force. The Municipality is investigating all the matters and appropriate action will be taken.
The Municipality is assessing the extent of damage that was caused by strikers during the march through the City Centre to hand over a memorandum to Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, at City Hall. An estimated three thousand people participated in the march. A number of refuse bins were damaged and set alight during the march. One Municipal vehicle was extensively damaged earlier. The Union will be held liable for the damages.
Approximately 2126 eThekwini employees were absent from work without permission as at 10h00 today (17/08/2011), representing 9.3 percent of the total workforce.
The Municipality is preparing to serve SAMWU with an interdict to compel workers regarded as essential services to return to work. Workers in the following Units are classified as essential services and are prohibited from participating in the strike: Cleansing and Solid Waste, Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Emergency Services, Health and Metro Police.
