Buffalo City: SAMWU, PA clash over worker protests

Rafieka Williams

The Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCCM) in the Eastern Cape said on Monday that it has met with unions as the Patriotic Alliance calls for disciplinary action and dismissals of workers involved in protest action.

The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) on Monday denied any allegations that members taking to the streets to air their grievances was unlawful.  

Members organised protests in the East London CBD last week calling on the municipality to pay heed to what they have described as maladministration.

The fallout between SAMWU and the Buffalo City municipality has since prompted Patriotic Alliance member, Tiphany Harmse, to pen a letter to the City Manager. 

Harmse said while workers’ right to protest should be respected, “the conduct of the workers who embarked on the unlawful violent and destructive protest action can never be tolerated and accepted by the metro.”

Harmse has urged the municipality