City of Joburg Employees Block M1 and M2 Highways Amid Wage Disputes
Image Source: City of Johannesburg employees affiliated with Samwu have blocked off the M1 and M2 highways in Braamfontein and the Johannesburg CBD. Picture: Screenshot
Published by Everything ZA News
Thousands of City of Johannesburg employees, affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu), caused significant traffic disruptions on Thursday morning by blocking the M1 and M2 highways in Braamfontein and the Johannesburg CBD. The action stems from a wage dispute between the workers and the City’s leadership.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the blockade, stating that the workers blocked both directions of the M1 at Smit Street in Braamfontein and the M2 in Selby. This resulted in heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
Video:Supplied
“Despite the road closures, the protest has remained peaceful, and officers have been deployed to manage traffic and ensure safety,” Fihla said. Traffic is being diverted at various points: Empire Road on the M1 South, Booysens Road on the M1 North, Rissik Street/Selby exit on the M2 West, and for motorists coming from Crown using the M2 East, they can join the M1 South and exit at Booysens Road.
Fihla advised motorists to exercise caution and seek alternative routes to avoid the affected highways.
The protest comes after weeks of stalled negotiations between Samwu and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) in the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC). Samwu has rejected Salga’s latest wage offer, deeming it inadequate given the rising cost of living and financial pressures faced by its members.
Samwu Secretary-General Dumisane Magagula expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with the current offer, stating, “The proposal falls far short of addressing the financial pressures our members face. We are resolute in our demand for a substantial wage increase that accurately reflects the dedication and sacrifices of municipal workers.”
Magagula emphasized that municipal workers, who provide essential services under challenging conditions, deserve a wage that ensures they can support their families and live with dignity. “Our members deserve a wage that acknowledges their true worth and addresses the financial strain they endure,” he said.
Negotiations between Samwu and Salga are ongoing, with the union firm in its demand for a wage increase that meets the needs of its members.
About The Author
