Samwu vows to challenge 'dismissal' of 300 EMPD cops
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has condemned the possible dismissal of over 300 Ekurhuleni metro police officers.
Following their illegal strike earlier this year, the officers were served pre-dismissal notices on Monday.
In March, hundreds of EMPD officers downed tools to protest over salary adjustments and better working conditions.
As part of their demonstration, the cops blocked on-ramps to highways, including the R21 leading to the OR Tambo International Airport.
The union has described the consequence management of the city as “draconian action and assault on workers’ rights”.
"Instead of choosing the path of dialogue, seeking to understand, and genuinely resolving the substantive issues fuelling the workers' dissatisfaction, the municipality has instead opted for the oppressive tactic of threatening mass dismissals.
"This is a betrayal of the principles of natural justice and a direct attack on the constitutional rights of workers to express their grievances without fear of reprisal," the union said in a statement.
SAMWU said it is considering legal avenues to challenge the decision.
"We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of these pre-dismissal notices and insist that the municipality enter into genuine, good-faith negotiations aimed at achieving a just and equitable resolution to the workers' grievances.
"The union is committed to exploring all available legal and industrial relations avenues to challenge this unjust decision and hold the city accountable."
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