Jhb emergency services strike

2009-06-03 16:55

Johannesburg - Johannesburg emergency service workers continued their illegal industrial action on Wednesday, with the union claiming all firefighters in the city were on strike.

"All firefighters, in the entire city of Johannesburg, are on strike," said SA Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) representative Zanele Khumalo.

"Unfortunately, we are essential services, but they (city management) created this situation."

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Percy Morokane said only a "small number" of emergency workers participated in the illegal action on Tuesday.

"Whoever is not at work will have to have a very, very good reason for his or her absence," said Morokane.

"Any person who fails to avail him or herself for work, will face - there's no doubt about it - will face disciplinary action."

Emergency personnel were protesting against a delay in the implementation of a wage agreement which Samwu said was agreed upon at a meeting last November.

'Proof' of salary agreement

EMS head Audrey Gule has denied knowledge of a salary agreement between management and the union.

But Samwu spokesperson Dumisani Langa said: "We have proof that discussions on salaries did take place and certain agreements were reached."

The union members were hoping to get feedback from their leaders at about 18:00 on Wednesday, said Khumalo.

The salary protest goes against an order granted to the City of Johannesburg last Friday by the Labour Court.

Morokane said contingency plans were in place to deal with emergency situations but called on protesting workers to reconsider their actions.

"Emergency management services' cause is primarily to save innocent people's lives... Sanity should just prevail. Let's look at the interest of these innocent people and not put our own interest before theirs.

"If someone is doing that, then he is in the wrong business," said Morokane.

He did not want to speculate on rumours that striking emergency service workers were responsible for a fire that broke out at Brixton fire station on Tuesday night.

Cause of fire unknown

"Some people are saying those who are striking caused the fire, but we are not saying that," said Morokane.

The fire started during the night at the training academy that is part of the Brixton fire station.

"There were no injuries or fatalities. The relevant authorities are investigating the cause of that fire.

"We don't want to speculate to the effect that the fire is linked to the ongoing strike," said Morokane.

- SAPA