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iGoli 2002 strike hangs in the balance

By Elliot Sylvester, Saturday Star
7 July 2000

A decision on whether municipal workers in Johannesburg will go on strike over the iGoli 2002 strategy on July 11 will be made on Monday after negotiations between the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council.

Samwu president Petrus Mashishi said Tuesday's proposed strike action depends on how the council responds to its restructuring demands.

He said the union would consider calling off the strike after Monday's meeting, during which the way forward would be decided.

Mashishi said the union had won a "small victory" in being allowed to participate in negotiations over the restructuring.

City manager Ketso Gordhan said workers would face disciplinary steps if they took part in strike action because the council had obtained a court order on Monday prohibiting such action.

After disruptive demonstrations by union members against corporatisation and retrenchments on Monday, the union and council now appear committed to finding amicable solutions.

Council Transformation Lekgotla head Kenny Fihla said both parties had committed themselves to restructuring the city in line with the Municipal Systems Bill, which is expected to be promulgated in September.

The agreement makes it possible for outstanding issues on iGoli 2002 to be discussed and mediated upon.