The municipal workers' union Imatu is calling for urgent intervention from eThekwini to address the issues faced by retrenched Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and to protect staff not participating in the ongoing strike.
This week, EPWP members have staged protests in Durban, disrupting refuse collection and street sweeping services. The workers are demanding permanent municipal employment after being informed their contracts would not be renewed at the end of the month. Protesters have locked gates at several city depots, and a municipal refuse collection truck was stoned at a site in New Germany on Wednesday.
eThekwini officials have requested residents to hold onto their rubbish bags until further notice due to the disruptions.
Imatu spokesperson Queen Mbatha criticized the city for its slow response, stating, “Our members are willing to work but are unable to due to the volatile situation. We urge eThekwini to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of employees not involved in the strike, who are facing intimidation. The abrupt handling of the EPWP program issues is deeply concerning and requires immediate attention.”
