Johannesburg - Uncollected refuse bins lined Joburg suburban streets on Tuesday morning after hundreds of Pikitup workers downed tools on Monday.
There was no street cleaning or refuse collection on Monday after 10 out of 12 City of Joburg Pikitup depots embarked on an unprotected strike.
On Monday South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) chairman at Pikitup, Johannes Phalamashweu, said they wanted Pikitup’s managing director Amanda Nair to step down because she was “corrupt” and “victimising” members.
He said Nair had disregarded labour laws when she fired two employees involved in a fight with a colleague, without giving them the opportunity to explain themselves.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) later ordered that the two employees be reinstated.
“Instead, she (Nair) appealed the CCMA decision,” said Phalamashweu. The appeal is still pending.
“She was arrested for stealing cellphones and no disciplinary action was taken against her. She went to jail and she was allowed to come back and work. Why is she treated differently from other people at Pikitup? She is getting preferential treatment.”
Charges were made against Nair, but were later withdrawn.
Phalamashweu said they tried to engage Nair last Friday, but said she called them hooligans.
He said Nair had written to them saying they had been charged for an unlawful work stoppage.
“Why is she also not charged? She has done so many wrong things,” he said.
Pikitup spokesman Jacky Mashapu said the utility was not sure why the unprotected strike was being staged.
“We don’t know why our employees are not working. The normal procedures have not been followed. They have not lodged any dispute. As management, we are taking this seriously as refuse removal is an essential service. We are open to engagements. We are assuring residents that we are working around the clock to ensure refuse is collected, and as such we have about 1 000 casual workers to assist,” Mashapu said.
Mashapu said they must provide evidence that Nair is corrupt.