Emergency workers’ strike ‘won’t affect essential services’

HUNDREDS of Joburg’s fire, ambulance and rescue workers were set to down tools today in protest against the acting head of the city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS).

Accusing Tshepo Makola of corruption, nepotism and maladministration, the SA Municipal Workers Union said the strike would go on until the council took action against Makola.

“The ball is in the City of Johannesburg’s court to decide whether indeed the residents of Johannesburg can suffer as a result of the city protecting the individual at the expense of residents. There will be no service in the form of emergency personnel,” Samwu regional secretary Dumisani Langa said yesterday.

“About 700 workers will picket in Roodepoort on Monday, and we intend marching to the mayor’s office on Wednesday,” said Langa.

City of Johannesburg spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said

: “The city acknowledges that there might be disruptions to certain services such as ambulance and fire services, but the Johannesburg EMS has signed a minimum service agreement with the union, and (EMS) has urged the union leadership to ensure this agreement is honoured.”

He added that council offices and pay points would operate as normal.

“Essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal are not affected by the strike,” he said.