Protesting Jozi@Work workers interrupt municipal services
Former Jozi@Work employees
embarked on protest action in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, on
Wednesday.
The protestors overturned a Pikitup vehicle and also held some of their staff members hostage.
The staff members were later released.
Jozi@Work employees have been at loggerheads with the City of Johannesburg for some time, accusing the city of illegally ending their contracts.
They are accusing Pikitup of not informing them of the expiry date of their contract.
The city’s MMC of Infrastructure and Environment in Joburg, Nico De Jager, says criminal charges have been laid against the protestors.
"Pikitup is entrusted with cleaning the city to ensure our residents live in an environment they can be proud of, and that investment is lured to the city which will lead to more job creation."
De Jager adds that should the waste not be collected it will pose a health risk to resident of the city.