Waste collection services in parts of Johannesburg have been disrupted as Pikitup casual workers continue their strike over demands for permanent employment and allegations of an unfair recruitment process.
The workers say they were promised permanent positions last year and completed parts of the employment process, including medical assessments.
However, they say they were informed in June that Pikitup did not have the budget to employ them permanently.
The workers are also questioning the recruitment process, alleging nepotism and corruption in the hiring of permanent employees.
The ongoing industrial action has affected waste collection in parts of the City of Johannesburg, leaving residents caught between the workers and the municipal waste management company.
Pikitup spokesperson Themba Magoda apologised to residents affected by the disruption while urging the public to hold the City of Johannesburg accountable for service delivery.
“Residents are in the crossfire of what is happening,” Magoda said.
He said the workers’ main objective was to ensure that their concerns were heard, adding that they provide a service on behalf of the City of Johannesburg.
The dispute highlights broader concerns around job security among workers employed on a casual basis, as well as questions about the recruitment and budgeting processes within municipal entities.
For residents, however, the immediate concern is the impact of the strike on waste collection and the potential build-up of rubbish in affected communities.
The dispute is expected to continue putting pressure on Pikitup and the City of Johannesburg to find a resolution that addresses the workers’ employment concerns while restoring regular waste collection services.