'Cops' protest only the start'

2007-08-16 15:59

Cape Town - Other City of Cape Town workers are likely to follow the example of metro police who staged a disruptive protest this week, the SA Municipal Workers Union said on Thursday.

It said mayor Helen Zille's administration had decided it was above the law, and refused to adhere to collective bargaining agreements.

"Although this has created a problem with regards to metro police now, the rest of the city's workforce is also affected and are likely to respond in a similar manner," said the union.

It said the suspension of the officers involved in Wednesday's protest was flawed in terms of the disciplinary code and therefore unlawful.

'Placement process'

Samwu had therefore advised all the suspended officers - there were 95 by Thursday morning - to return to work, and had given the city an ultimatum to withdraw the suspensions by the close of business on Thursday.

"If Zille continues bashing workers and failing to deliver services to the poor, Samwu will unite with communities and bring the city to a standstill with thousands of protesters," the union said.

The 95 officers face disciplinary and criminal charges after they drove in a cavalcade to the civic centre on Wednesday morning, causing rush hour traffic jams on the N2.

They are objecting to a staff "placement process", despite what the city says are guarantees that it will not leave them worse off in terms of either salaries or conditions of service.

Council spokesperson Pieter Cronje said the suspensions would not create law enforcement problems.

"Where there are gaps we will deploy other elements of the three arms (law enforcement and traffic personnel) and of course we've always been working with the SA Police Service," he said.

The city also used private security companies.

- SAPA