Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metro police officers face axe over illegal strike

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Over 300 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers have been served pre-dismissal notices for embarking on an illegal strike in March.

The Ekurhuleni Metro police officers blocked major highways, including Gillooleys Interchange on the R24, Carnival on the N17, the Springs/Daveyton off-ramp on the N12, and the Benoni off-ramp on the R21, causing traffic disruptions, demanding salary increases, overtime compensation and improved working conditions.

EKURHULENI METRO POLICE OFFICERS FACING DISMISSAL OVER ILLEGAL STRIKE

According to GroundUp, the officers complained that their counterparts at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) worked 16 days per month, four days on, four days off, with higher salaries than EMPD officers. The officers said they worked 24 days per month with less rest and lower salaries, placing them at a disadvantage.

Additionally, they also cited a lack of danger allowances, which are provided to the officers’ counterparts in other metros and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

On Monday, 5 May, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe told Newzroom Afrikathat 389 EMPD officers have been served with pre-dismissal notices and have 48 hours to prepare themselves for their upcoming disciplinary hearings where they’ll have to explain themselves as to why they should not be dismissed.

“At the moment, they have been suspended, which means that the council on the equipment that they used to do their jobs, which were the vehicles, firearms, and access to various council buildings, has been confiscated. We await to see what the outcome of the disciplinary hearings are,” he said.

Regarding possible avenues the metro cops can use to appeal their case, Mbengashe said they can consult with their union reps, they can also consult with legal representatives, and they can make those representations during the disciplinary hearing.

He said as per legislation, the EMPD police officers are essential services and aren’t allowed to go on strike. Additionally, they held various meetings ahead of the strike and could’ve local labour forum to raise their issues.