The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has taken a firm stance in support of the Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) personnel, who recently garnered substantial public attention due to their illegal strike action on Wednesday.

The unrest brought traffic to a standstill and sparked outrage, particularly along major routes including the R21 southbound to OR Tambo Airport.

Members of the EMPD have articulated their grievances regarding inadequate salary adjustments, restricted overtime pay, and allegations of unfair labour practices.

POPCRU President Thulani Ngwenya emphasised that these issues are not merely procedural but rather concern the fundamental rights of workers. “These are workers' issues that require urgent and focused attention,” he asserted.

“EMPD personnel provide their labour in exchange for compensation, and they are simply demanding that this compensation be fair and just. This is not a political matter but a labour relations matter. It should be treated as such and with the seriousness it deserves.”

Ngwenya further urged that the ongoing situation should not be exploited for political advantage.

“First, however, we would like to state that this situation must not be used for political grandstanding by any political party,” he said.

POPCRU has expressed vehement criticism towards the perceived exploitation and neglect of the EMPD officers, who play a critical role in ensuring road safety and enforcing municipal laws. Ngwenya pointed out that “ongoing government austerity measures have resulted in unfair salary adjustments and the reduction of essential overtime compensation. These measures have placed an unbearable burden on these officers, compromising both their livelihoods and their ability to serve the public effectively.”

Central to POPCRU’s message is a call for the nationalization of traffic policing across South Africa. Ngwenya further highlighted the fragmentation in the current system, where traffic officers operate under various municipal and provincial structures, resulting in inconsistent wages, benefits, and working conditions. He argues that a centralized command would rectify these disparities, ensuring uniformity in salaries and improved working conditions.

“The decentralized nature of traffic law enforcement has resulted in significant disparities in job security, career development, and service delivery. Traffic officers working in different municipalities and provinces face unequal pay, poor career progression, and limited opportunities for professional growth. Nationalization will address these inequalities,” Ngwenya asserted, emphasizing the critical need for a more stable environment for officers.

On the other hand, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has condemned the actions of the EMPD members, calling for decisive action against them.

“According to the Labour Relations Act, metro police members are prohibited from participating in strikes and obstructing service delivery,” the party stated.

The party highlighted that the EMPD's role is to protect municipal infrastructure and residents, directly opposing the objectives of the ongoing strike.

The City of Ekurhuleni has also recognized the considerable disruptions caused by the illegal strike, acknowledging its potential threats to public safety and daily commutes. Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated that the city is currently investigating the matter to determine appropriate actions moving forward.

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za