The Star reports that traffic in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as traffic officers protested about several labour-related issues at the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).  

A large convoy of more than 30 EMPD vehicles brought traffic to a halt on the N3 highway approaching Germiston.  The officers parked in the middle of the highway and halted traffic for about 30 minutes.  According to one officer, they were protesting because of unequal treatment in the department.  “There are people who are getting higher salaries than us even though we are doing the same duties, and there are people who are getting promoted because they know somebody, and not because they deserve a promotion,” he claimed.  Apparently, some officers receive different benefits to their peers.  Another claim is that salaries are much lower than in other municipalities.  SA Municipal Workers’ Union representative Nkosana Gould added that another issue was a prohibition notice allegedly issued by the Department of Labour indicating that the metro was non-compliant with lockdown regulations regarding health and safety.  A memorandum of demands was handed to MMC for Community Safety and the city was given until 19 June to respond, failing which the officers threatened to embark on a full strike.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba on page 2 of The Star of 10 June 2020

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page