Issued by: Southern Metropolitan Council
5 June 1998
The Southern Metro Local Council (SMLC) will apply today to the Labour Court for a interdict against the proposed strike by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). The SMLC will ask the Labour Court to find the proposed strike fro 9-11 June 1998 as unprotected according to the Labour Relations Act of 1995.
The SMLC will also ask for the Labour Court to treat this matter as urgent and set a court date for 8 June 1998.
The SMLC will also serve notice today on SAMWU to inform the union of its intention to apply for an interdict, allowing the union adequate time to respond. Should the strike go ahead the SMLC has already put in place contingency plans.
Contingency Plan during Strike:
The Water Department: will have standby teams at night. During the day contractors will attend the major burst pipes. All regional managers will be on 24-hour standby.
The Waste Management Department: will use contract workers. If this is not possible residents will be given additional refuse bin liners and will keep their refuse on their property until the next collection day.
The Sanitation Department: special teams will attend to major sewer blockages during the strike. In areas where there are staff shortages because of the strike contractors will be used to clean main blockages.
Written on behalf of: Chris Ngcobo CEO SMLC Tel: 407-6375
By Jameel Chand Manager communications Tel: 407-6330 Cell: 083 274 8651