Samwu deny intimidation claims amid Tshwane wage clash
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Tshwane denied protesting municipal workers affiliated with the union were intimidating on-duty staff.
Tshwane workers affiliated with the union downed tools on Tuesday over unpaid wage increases and an additional demand for a 5.4% wage hike.
The city’s bus services were suspended after an A Re Yeng bus was pelted with stones while driving on Lavendar Road on the way to Wonderboom.
“Consequently, the bus operations have been suspended with immediate effect in the interest of the safety of commuters, as well as the drivers," said Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo.
READ: Commuters left stranded as Tshwane suspends A Re Yeng buses
Addressing angry workers on the steps of Tshwane House on Friday, City Manager Johann Mettler condemned the alleged intimidation of employees.
“Colleagues, I also have staff that have been intimidated that are scared. I must also speak up for my staff,” he added.
But Samwu’s acting regional secretary Precious Theledi denies this, calling Mettler’s claim “unfortunate”.
“I came here at around 08:30 am… we literally saw people at their desks working, and we don’t have a problem.
“In Tshwane, we have two unions that are recognised, and Samwu is the one that is outside. We can’t expect everybody to be there. We are alive to the fact that there’s another union [ the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union] that is not joining us.”
Theledi accused the city of peddling the intimidation and service interruption narrative to influence the public against their protest.
At the same time, Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink said the cash-strapped metro simply can't afford any wage increases.
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