Shock, anger after KZN municipality fires 223 staff

[schumi]

Durban - The Newcastle Municipality has fired 223 employees following their protest against the non-payment of overtime early last month.
The mayor was struck in the face during the protest.

On Friday, the municipality took the decision to fire those believed to have been involved following internal disciplinary hearings - and the number of casualties could increase.

However, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) yesterday said it would start the legal process to fight for its members. Provincial secretary Jaycee Ncanana said they were obliged to act legally as the municipality had fired their members “legally”.

“We received the news and we expected this because all the signs were there. They permitted our members to work overtime and only told them on payday that there was no money to pay them. When our members demanded answers, they were suspended, and then fired. We are not taking this lying down; we will fight to the bitter end, but we have to do it within the labour regulations. The mayor has been bragging about this high number of employees who were pushed out of their jobs,” Ncanana said.

Early last month general workers, including security, fire department officers, traffic personnel and six Samwu shop stewards were suspended on full pay after an altercation that resulted in Mayor Ntuthuko Mahlaba being struck in the face with a brick.

The Daily News reported at the time that workers received suspension notices on their cellphones following the incident. The city cited financial constraints for the non-payment, but the union questioned how the municipality could source private security services instead of paying the overtime due to its employees.

Ncanana questioned how the workers could have been permitted to work overtime when there were professionals dealing with the municipal finances who could have reported its state to those in charge to avoid this situation.

EFF Amajuba chairperson Sbusiso Sizani said the decision to fire the workers was taken on Friday.

“This was a unilateral decision by the ANC councillors. Ever since this mayor took over, everything is falling apart

More at:

Shock, anger after KZN municipality fires 223 staff | Daily News

Employees were protesting against non-payment of overtime and the mayor was struck in the face during the protest

www.iol.co.za

 

[Jopie Fourie]

But why the anger?! Everyone involved in the violent protest must be fired. There is no reason to keep a person participating in violent protests employed. The SA Constitution does not guarantee the right to participate in violent protest action and therefore they all acted unconstitutionally.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

think twice before you bite the hand that feeds you

 

[ForceFate]

“We received the news and we expected this because all the signs were there. They permitted our members to work overtime and only told them on payday that there was no money to pay them. When our members demanded answers, they were suspended, and then fired. We are not taking this lying down; we will fight to the bitter end, but we have to do it within the labour regulations. The mayor has been bragging about this high number of employees who were pushed out of their jobs,” Ncanana said.

Their shopstewards failed them. Why did they allow things to escalate to a point of violence? SAMWU failed them.

 

[Jopie Fourie]

Their shopstewards failed them. Why did they allow things to escalate to a point of violence? SAMWU failed them.

Another reason why unions should be banned. Workers should do these actions themselves. There should be clear guidelines for them to follow. No need for union interference.

 

[Eniigma]

“This was a unilateral decision by the ANC councillors. Ever since this mayor took over, everything is falling apart

But don't worry we've still vote for them next elections because next time it will be different.

 

[ShaunSA]

Great dancing skills. I'm sure someone will employ them quick enough

 

[Deadmanza]

Their shopstewards failed them. Why did they allow things to escalate to a point of violence? SAMWU failed them.

Why do people need to be told NOT to be violent?
Are you ****ing kidding me?

 

[DreamKing]

viva anc ..... viva .....

 

[Gaz{M}]

NewCastle is bankrupt. Can't pay Eskom and will have power shut off soon.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I commend them for doing this and following through.

Now stick to it otherwise nobody will learn anything from it.

 

[borro]

What to burn down next?

 

[The_Librarian]

Small scale of what is (possibly) going to happen at SAA....

 

[Mystic Twilight]

For some reason I'm equally pleased that the mayor got a brick in the face, probably due to how municipalities don't hold anyone accountable, both the usual employees and the people in management.

 

[grok]

I'm shocked & angry it wasn't done sooner and at more municipalities..

 

[The_Librarian]

Money is running out & WMC will be blamed.

 

[Blackhand]

I really believe the only reason this is happening is because the mayor got klapped.