Joburg City to clear 30 tons of rubbish
As the municipal workers strike enters its second week, Pickitup on Monday asked Johannesburg residents to put their rubbish out so that it can be removed.
Since Monday last week Pickitup workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) have been on strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
As a result of the strike rubbish bins have been overflowing in the city and residential areas.
Pickitup, which is Johannesburg City’s official waste management service provider, said it had engaged private contractors to remove the 30 tonne pile up of rubbish, which was posing a health hazard.
Samwu had warned that it would defend its members and also prevent independent contractors from removing the waste.
Pickitup Managing Director Amanda Nair said it was costing her company R2 million a day to remove the rubbish that has piled up since last week.
There was no indication that Samwu was ready to end the strike, which has continues despite a court interdict secured by Pickitup preventing workers from participating in the “illegal” industrial action