EMPD officers are frustrated and demanding the reinstatement of their overtime hours after the City of Ekurhuleni officially reduced overtime from 40 to 16 hours per month, effective March 1, as a cost-saving measure.
Officers argue that the city is not considering the reasons behind their overtime requests. On February 27, EMPD officers had planned to picket and hand over a memorandum to the mayor, but the City of Ekurhuleni obtained a court order preventing essential service workers from striking over the cuts and demands to make contract workers permanent.
The Labour Court ruled that no member of the respondent employed in designated essential services may embark on any strike or conduct in contemplation or furtherance of a strike.
A final ruling is expected on March 20.
Union and officers speak out
Municipal and Essential Services Workers Union of South Africa (MESCU) Secretary-General Vukile Mlungwana criticized the city’s approach, saying that proper consultation was not followed.
“Instead of meeting with unions representing the employees, they took the matter to council.
“Council approved the motion, and employees were informed that the reduced hours would take effect from March 1,” said Mlungwana.
