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The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department(JMPD) has issued a warning to motorists about M1 and M2 highways route closure.
This as approximately 10,000 City of Johannesburg employees affiliated with SA Municipal Workers Union blocked off the highways in Braamfontein and the Johannesburg CBD.
According to JMPD, the members are aggrieved over wage disputes, following an attempted engagement with the City’s leadership on Thursday morning.
“The members have blocked off the M1 in both directions at Smit Street in Braamfontein and in both directions on the M2 in Selby, causing heavy traffic disruptions in the area.
“Despite the closure, it is reported that the members are not violent, and officers have been deployed to divert traffic,” JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said.
Motorists to exercise caution
He urged motorists to exercise caution, by avoiding the M1 and M2 Highways, and use alternative routes to avoid the closures.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg has condemned the actions taken union members who embarked on a march despite being granted time off for a briefing on the implementation of the phase two of the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA).
The City said it had also provided transportation for the briefing in good faith.
“However, instead of utilising this opportunity for constructive engagement, SAMWU members chose to participate in an unauthorised march, which puts people’s lives at risk.
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“The City views these actions as unacceptable and illegal. As a result, it is left with no choice but to consider approaching the Labour Court for an urgent interdict to prevent further disruptions.
“The City urges SAMWU members to refrain from participating in any further illegal activities, respect agreements, and use legitimate processes to engage on outstanding issues,” a statement read.
