8 July, 2005 Press Release COUNCIL SERVICES WILL NOT BE DISRUPTED The City of Johannesburg has assured residents that service delivery would not be hampered by the strike planned by the SA Municipal Workers Unions (SAMWU) and Independent Municipal and Allied Union (IMATU) on Tuesday July 12, 2005. National wage negotiations between the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the municipal unions have deadlocked and the unions have indicated their intention to proceed with the industrial action. The City learnt that the trade unions lodged notice with SALGA and SALGBC to formalize their strike in terms of the Labour Relations Act. This step makes the strike legal and compliant with the Labour Relations Act. SALGA has indicated that essential services workers will, however, not be protected in an event of joining the strike. Despite this, Council is making every effort to minimize any possible interruption to services delivery should the strike go ahead. City's Essential Services include the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Management Service (EMS), City Power, Joburg Water, PIKITUP and Health Department (nurses, doctors etc.) The City will run major pay-points during the strike. Residents can use alternative outlets including banks, supermarkets, and ATM's for payment of municipal services accounts. Pre-paid customers are also advised to recharge more in advance. It further emphasizes that the "NO WORK, NO PAY" principle will be applied on employees who participate in the strike. Any misconduct related to the strike will be dealt with severely. Contingency plans are in place for a number of other services. Residents whose waste is scheduled for collection on Tuesdays are to put their waste out as usual. In the event that of the disruption of the service, residents can keep the waste until the next scheduled collection round - which will be the next week. Those who wish to dispose of their waste on their own can do so at the many garden and landfill sites open that day. The Call Centre which operates 24 hours can provide them with a relevant address in their neighbourhood. Disruptions on electricity and water, buses and traffic must also be referred to the Call Centre for attention. The Call Centre number is (011) 375 5555. The City apologies for any inconvenience which may arise from the strike. Ends Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Communications Department Telephone: 011 407-7354 Facsimile: 011 403-3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 Email: nthatisem@joburg.org.za