'We cannot sit back': SAMWU fights to save jobs of striking Ekurhuleni officers
The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has declared it will not stand by as nearly 400 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face possible dismissal
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The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has declared it will not stand by as nearly 400 Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers face possible dismissal for participating in an unprotected strike last month.
The officers had joined a protest over ongoing labour grievances, which caused major traffic disruptions, stranded thousands of daily commuters, and blocked access to the critical OR Tambo International Airport.
Following the protest, the City of Ekurhuleni announced it had 'commenced disciplinary measures against 389 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers following their participation in an illegal strike and blockade of critical highways on 19 March 2025'.
'As EMPD officers, these individuals are classified under essential services, mandated to uphold public safety and order,' the city stated.
'Their participation in prohibited strike action constitutes gross misconduct, undermining public trust and violating labour laws as stipulated in the Labour Relations Act. All implicated officers have been issued pre-dismissal notices and are suspended from duty pending the outcome of their disciplinary hearings.'
However, the move has sparked widespread concern among ordinary citizens and some government officials, who argue that the sudden dismissal of such a large number of officers could compromise public safety.
SAMWU's regional chairperson, Chris Mavunda, condemned the potential dismissal of the EMPD members and insisted the union 'cannot sit back and do nothing'.
'The majority of those are members of SAMWU, and hence we said we cannot sit back, and do nothing — we have to stand up, protect jobs because what is important for us as municipal workers, is that we need to save the jobs of these members who were misled.
"During our consultation, this has been confirmed by many of them that, actually, it was not their call, but they were misled,' Mavunda explained to the SABC.
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