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EMPD vehicles.
The South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) has slammed the City of Ekurhuleni for vetting over 3 000 Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers without necessary consultation.
The vetting process, which began on Monday, comes after witnesses that have testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry made allegations of corruption in the EMPD.
Samwu claims the process is unfair and lacks transparency.
Union’s regional secretary Chris Mavundla “We as Samwu reluctantly welcome this process because we were not consulted. You’ll understand that once you introduce this thing of annual vetting to our employees, it then becomes a condition of service.”
“So the employer has no right to unilaterally change the terms and conditions of employment without consulting. Anything that has got the potential to change the terms and conditions of employment must be the subject of consultation between the parties.”
The union says the City of Ekurhuleni should have vetted senior EMPD officers before the ones in lower ranks.
“Our understanding is the fish rots from the head. So, if they can start there on top, vet themselves first before they can vet these EMPD officers on the roads, who are not linked in any way to what is happening in the Madlanga Commission, we will have no problem. Why do you start with your constables, wardens, and inspectors and not start with you,” adds Mavundla.
Below is the full interview with Samwu:
