ETHEKWINI workers under the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) wing have downed tools demanding better salaries that match others of the metros.
Their strike has been going on for over a week now.
Most services have been halted, including waste collection and fixing electrical faults.
On Monday, 11 March, thirteen workers were arrested after damaging property while protesting on Electron Road.
The eThekwini Municipality has also revealed that they have approached the labour court to prevent the workers from continuing with their illegal strike.
Briefing the media on Monday, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said as far as the strike is concerned, the municipality has not received any memorandum or petition from the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) apart for the Ekurhuleni Municipality pay scale which was submitted to the office of the City Manager on 27 February.
“Based on the information submitted, it would seem that Samwu is demanding pay parity to that of Ekurhuleni Municipality or the implementation of Category 10 pay scales.
“The matter regarding the implementation of the Wage Curve is still under negotiation at national level as it is a national competence,” she said.
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She also revealed that the municipality has obtained an urgent interdict in the Labor Court.
“The interdict against striking employees, as well as those that are members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the City's activities, services, and operations,” said Dube-Ncube.
Samwu KZN provincial Secretary Nokubonga Dinga said Samwu announced its intention to engage in discussions with the city to address the raised demand.
KZN police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that Sydenham police arrested 13 protesters aged between 36 and 59 years for contravening the court order, damage to infrastructure and malicious property damage.
“Their arrest came after a group of municipals has gathered at the municipal of five on Electron Road. They allegedly put sand on the floor and burnt trees. They were forcing other employees out of the office and damaged the gate," she said.
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