CT march ends on bitter note
2008-01-31 20:28
Cape Town - The City of Cape Town on Thursday accused SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members of intimidation following a march to the council offices at the Civic Centre.
"Today's march of approximately 900 Samwu members was... held in an abusive fashion, with missiles being thrown, intimidation of council staff and the streets being strewn with rubbish," Mike Marsden, the City's Executive Director for Service Delivery Integration, said in a statement.
On the other hand, the union had threatened to take legal action against police. It claimed police shot at its members.
"Samwu is disgusted and appalled that the police opened fire at close range with plastic coated steel bullets, on our members in Cape Town one hour ago," the union said in a statement.
Close to 100 Samwu members marched to the council offices to protest against what they said was the city's dictatorial approach to labour issues.
The City's mayor, Helen Zille, was not available to receive their memorandum.
The union said the marchers had dispersed and were on their way home when police opened fire on them.
- SAPA