Press Release:
Media statement by the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, on the strike that affected the city - 15 May 2008

The purpose of this briefing is to share with you the progress made concerning the strike. For us the main point is to ensure that services are returned to normal. Yesterday the union, Samwu, requested a meeting with me, where we ensured that we are able to finalise the finer details of the settlement. The City of Tshwane and the union have agreed to set up a six-person task team.

The agreement highlights three issues. First, about the strike: the union has decided to call off the strike and the City of Tshwane is therefore satisfied that there is no need to pursue the contempt of court action.

Second, there is consensus that all issues related to the ASD will be dealt with under the current collective bargaining agreement between the City of Tshwane and the unions. All related matters will be processed in this framework. Third, on the matter of labour brokers: dialogue between the City of Tshwane and the unions will continue as both parties agree to the principle of balancing affordability, quality jobs and service delivery.

It must be pointed out that the Municipality started the process of reviewing the use of labour brokers some time ago and has already dealt with the administrative issues. The City of Tshwane did not need the union to strike over the matter because there are processes underway.

I would like to announce that all services should be back to normal and trust that the intimidation of other employees will be a thing of the past. Refuse removal has started. We hope that by Monday the Municipality will have dealt with all the backlogs. We also wish to assure residents that bus services should also be back to normal by Monday. By then all workers should be back at their workstations and transporting people.

The strike was unfortunate. We hope that it will not be repeated. Our appeal to those workers who were involved in the strike is that there are surely better ways of pressing for their demands than some of the acts that we have seen. We have at all times restrained ourselves from resorting to harsh means of dealing with those who engage in destructive behaviour. We also call on the union's leadership to exercise stewardship as we enter into yet another round of the strategic partnership to provide services to our people.

END

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