The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Ekurhuleni Region unequivocally and vehemently condemns the City of Ekurhuleni’s outrageous decision to issue pre-dismissal notices to over 300 EMPD workers. This draconian action represents not only a gross injustice but also a chilling assault on the fundamental rights of workers. It lays bare the municipality’s blatant disregard for fair labour practices and its utter unwillingness to engage with the legitimate grievances of its employees in a meaningful and constructive manner.

Instead of choosing the path of dialogue, seeking to understand, and genuinely resolve the substantive issues fuelling the workers’ dissatisfaction, the municipality has instead opted for the oppressive tactic of threatening mass dismissals. This is a betrayal of the principles of natural justice and a direct attack on the constitutional rights of workers to express their grievances without fear of reprisal.

The workers’ protest on 19th March 2025 was not an isolated incident but rather a powerful manifestation of deep-seated and long-standing issues that the municipality has persistently and wilfully failed to address. Rather than confronting these underlying problems head-on, the municipality is now attempting to silence these workers through intimidation, coercion, and the devastating threat of job losses, further exacerbating an already volatile situation.

SAMWU stands shoulder-to-shoulder, in unwavering solidarity, with the affected workers and pledges to deploy every resource at its disposal to fight tooth and nail against this egregious injustice. We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of these pre-dismissal notices and insist that the municipality enter into genuine, good-faith negotiations aimed at achieving a just and equitable resolution to the workers’ grievances.

As SAMWU, we will not stand idly while our members are victimised, scapegoated, and punished for exercising their fundamental right to protest and demand fair treatment. The union is fully prepared to take all necessary and decisive actions to vigorously protect the rights, livelihoods, and dignity of its members. Furthermore, the Union is committed to exploring all available legal and industrial relations avenues to challenge this unjust decision and hold the City accountable.

Issued by SAMWU EKurhuleni region