The Pietermaritzburg business sector is decrying the state of the CBD as striking municipal workers down tools over ongoing job grade disputes. Streets have been left in disarray amid uncollected refuse and service delivery disruptions.
Msunduzi Municipality workers are demanding a proper grading process for their jobs to ensure that they are being paid fairly.
The workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) downed tools yesterday to highlight several concerns, including grading. The strike has frustrated the business community, which stated that the city is filthy and extensive damage has been caused to infrastructure. Some businesses have been forced to close, causing mounting financial losses.
The city workers have been on strike since last week; it was suspended on Wednesday and resumed again yesterday.
Bongi Gule, the regional secretary of SAMWU, said all SAMWU members are on strike as the problems affect all units.
