The City of Ekurhuleni has handed pre-dismissal letters to 389 traffic officers over illegal strike action earlier this year.
In March, Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD) officers went on strike for better working conditions and salaries, closing down major highways such as the N3, N17, and R21 in doing so.
While the City acknowledged the protest, it highlighted that it was illegal in terms of South African Police Service Act.
Section 41 of the Act explicitly forbids members of the police force from striking or inducing their peers to strike.
It also empowers the National or Provincial Commissioner to discharge members of the South African Police Services who strikes or conspires with another to strike.
EMPD officers identified as part of the protest action were called in this week to receive their pre-dismissal letters.
They were also ordered to hand over their service vehicles which they used to block off roads, and their access to certain buildings has been barred.
The letters inform them of the reason that they might be dismissed, and gives them chance to respond to the accusations within 48 hours.
Should the EMPD employees be able to justify their actions, they may still be allowed to retain their jobs. If not, they’ll be fully dismissed.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on the condition of anonymity, EMPD officers said that they’ll now be meeting with their lawyers and union representatives to chart a way forward.
Ekurhuleni unhappy
The City of Ekurhuleni has repeatedly condemned the officers’ strike actions, deeming it unacceptable.
Spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said that the City has avenues such as the Local Labour Forum through which workers can voice their grievances without airing their dirty laundry in public.
Therefore, the EMPD officers’ decision to instead go on strike not only went against national legislation but also internal procedures.
Additionally, it led to major security concerns when they blocked off the N3, N17, and R21.
“The R21 is a road to a national key point, so you can understand that there was a serious security issue there,” said Mbengashe.
He also highlighted that it sends a wrong message to the citizens of the country, who rely on the police to keep law and order in tact.
“People look at EMPD as people who are there to protect and serve, and when they see them in a strike and blocking traffic, it sends a very wrong message,” said Mbengashe.
He added that the City of Ekurhuleni hasn’t dismissed the officers’ demands for better pay and working conditions.
However, it maintains the position that these employees should have followed the proper channels to get their voices heard instead of going on strike.
“We do not believe that the actions that they took were fit and proper,” concluded Mbengashe.
“They were out of legislation and as such, unfortunately, there has to be consequences.”
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