10111 strike 'crippling workers'

The protracted strike has seen workers stay away from work, demanding higher salaries. 

Last week, the South African Police Service's (SAPS) top management issued a directive to all striking workers to return to work no later than 29 September 2017 or face disciplinary action.

It started as a protected strike, however, an agreement with the majority union, Popcru, was entered into last week rendering the strike action unprotected.

Members of the South African Police Union (Sapu) are continuing with the strike. 

10111 workers say the strike has taken a toll on their families emotionally and financially, but say they have no intention of backing down.

The police union says it has no choice but to take its strike to the streets.

The striking workers have vowed to march to the Union Buildings on 16 October. 

10111 workers have been on strike since July - demanding equal work for equal pay.

Sapu has interdicted SAPS from intimidating workers to go back to work.

The union's Mpho Kwinika says: "Even if they view it (their agreement) as sealed, procedurally that agreement is not addressing the impasse at the 10111 call centre."

Police ministry spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga says minister Fikile Mbalula has urged the police to speedily resolve the impasse.

"The minister is awaiting the brief on how far these discussions are. The two parties must go back to negotiations."