The Citizen reports that refuse collection and sewage-related services in George in the Western Cape have been badly affected as essential municipal workers continue to strike over Covid-19 related compensation.
The strike started last Thursday and was still in effect on 17 June. Refuse collection ground to a halt two weeks ago when a municipal worker in the cleaning section tested positive for Covid-19. George Municipality advised on Wednesday that temporary contractors had been appointed to address the most urgent sewerage problems. A municipal spokesperson would not comment on the reason for the strike. But, John Mcanjana of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) told George Herald that the “sit-in” related to Covid-19 compensation for essential workers and administrative support staff. Asked how a type of danger pay would protect workers from the virus, Mcanjana said Covid-19 came with an extra financial burden such as the need for immune boosters. He added: “The municipality wants workers to return to work before we discuss matters, but we want to sort this out first. Workers want an answer from management. This is not a strike, this is just a sit-in.” He also said that both unions, namely Samwu and Imatu, had submitted joint proposals for consideration by the council. According to Mcanjana, two of that union’s members have died of the coronavirus disease and there were daily infections.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Michelle Pienaar / George Herald at The Citizen
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