The City of Ekurhuleni has warned that officers of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) who participated in an illegal strike Wednesday morning could face disciplinary action.
The strike, which involved metro police officers protesting overtime and salary adjustments, caused significant disruptions on key arterial routes.
Videos and images circulating on social media depicted officers in uniform blocking vehicles while holding posters that read, 'Adjust our salaries or take your guns
The strike affected major roads, including the R24 Westbound between the OR Tambo Interchange and Electron Interchange and all lanes of the N3 Northbound between Heidelberg and Elands, causing extensive traffic congestion.
Speaking to IOL News, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the metro was unaware of the strike beforehand.
“We didn’t know anything about the metro police officers taking to the streets to protest. They didn’t tell us, so it was illegal…” Dlamini said.
Dlamini said the metro started an investigation into the strike to determine officers' involvement and any potential misconduct.
“We have launched an investigation to determine the actions of the officers that took part in the illegal strikes and caused traffic disruptions on major roads,” he said.
He added that the investigation will also closely examine the officers' actions, and those found to have participated in the illegal strike will face consequences.
“The investigation will look at these officers who were supposed to be at work during the protest, examine the misuse of resources, such as vehicles, and carrying firearms. Additionally, if it’s discovered that they caused any damage or injuries, action will be taken against them.”
Earlier, Dlamini condemned the protest, stating that it compromises public safety and disrupts the daily commute of thousands of residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, in a letter of demands seen by IOL News sent to the EMPD’s Chief of Police, Julius Mkwanazi, expressed their grievances regarding salary adjustments, overtime compensation, and unfair labour practices, which they said continue to persist despite repeated attempts at resolution.
The officers said in the past they benefited from overtime, which was regarded as part of their salary, enabling them to meet financial obligations such as loan approvals and other necessities.
“The employer has now significantly reduced officers' overtime salaries from 80 hours to 16 hours, which will severely impact their financial stability and overall morale,” the letter reads.
The officers called this a drastic reduction which they said will place them below the standard living scale and erode their financial security, affecting their families and well-being.
The metro police officers also voiced concerns about salary discrepancies and lack of benefits.
“The City of Ekurhuleni recently adjusted VIP EMPD salaries from R37,039.00 to R44,486.00 per month, including a 10% discrepancy benefit,” the letter added.
However, the letter argued that ground-level officers face greater risks and dangers without receiving similar benefits, such as danger allowances and night shift allowances.
“The inequality in salary structures between VIP EMPD officers and standard EMPD officers must be addressed immediately.”
IOL News