'Short-changed' cops ticked off

2003-11-25 23:04

Lieze du Preez

Lichtenburg - Using their official vehicles, Lichtenburg traffic officers have blocked entrances and exits to the municipal buildings for the past two days in protest at not being paid their full salaries.

They claim they are owed money for stand-by work and overtime.

When the officers realised on Monday morning they had not been paid in full, they reacted in anger and launched their protest campaign that afternoon.

The six traffic cops barred staff from leaving until mayor Stephen Bogatsu agreed to negotiations.

The building was blockaded until lunchtime, when the traffic cops got their cheques in their hands.

One officer told Beeld that, at first, the municipality tried to blame them, saying their claims had been submitted late.

Bogatsu confirmed this. He put the delay down to "administrative reasons".

The traffic officers stuck to their plans and called off their campaign only on Tuesday when they had their money in their hands.

One officer said that for them "every cent counts".

- Beeld