Striking police block major South African highway

[Nat Quinn]

Striking police block major South African highway

Strike action by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officers has shut down one of South Africa’s key highways.

Due to the industrial action, the Road Traffic Management Corporation issued an alert on Wednesday (19 March) urging motorists to avoid key routes heading to OR Tambo International Airport.

It warned of significant delays on:

• The R21 Southbound between Bapsfontein Road and the OR Tambo Interchange

• The N3 North and South

• The N12 West

• The N17

• The Gillooly’s and Geldenhuys Interchanges

According to the EFF, which has voiced support for the officers, the strike action is over salary cuts, low wages, the reduction of overtime and poor working conditions for EMPD security officers and wardens.

The party said that the officers have shut down key roads to get the attention of city officials, including the executive mayor.

It claimed that the EMPD officers and labour unions attempted to engage with the city but failed to get through to them to have their concerns addressed.

The City of Ekurhuleni condemned the strike as being illegal and urged motorists to seek alternative routes and remain vigilant.

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini told media that the metro was not notified of the industrial action and officials are working to restore traffic flow as soon as possible.

“We strongly condemn this unlawful protest action, as it compromises public safety and disrupts the daily commute of thousands of residents and visitors,” it said.

“The city is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to resolve the situation swiftly.”

A list of demands shared on social media platforms, dated 26 February, flagged a host of issues officers have with the city’s overtime structure and imbalances in pay.

Of note were discrepancies between VIP security pay and ground-level officer benefits, as well as work hours compared to other major metros like the City of Joburg.

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