EASTERN CAPE - HUNDREDS OF PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFICERS GO ON STRIKE AFTER DEPT STOPS PAYING OVERTIME

Hundreds of traffic officers in the Eastern Cape have boycotted work following a decision by the Eastern Cape transport department to stop paying them overtime.

The officers are now refusing to attend to accidents or to escort VIP motorcades.

Included in the list of events which they have not been paid was the funeral of former Eastern Cape premier Makhenkesi Stofile.

This move to boycott overtime duties was taken yesterday by officers who are based at the Amathole District office in Wilsonia.

The disgruntled officers left their state vehicles and firearms behind at 4pm and went home. None were available to be on standby or to work overtime.

About 40 of them, from King William’s Town, Zwelitsha, Phakamisa and Mdantsane, hitchhiked along the N2 yesterday afternoon. Normally those on duty or standby would take state vehicles with them. Speaking to the Daily Dispatch on condition of anonymity, the officers said they were tired of being treated like “slaves” while they were working awkward hours.

In a letter addressed to traffic district manager, Ntombikayise Mayeza, the officers said there was no clear definition between normal overtime and time worked during public holidays.

“You treat the two items the same on your own calculations from (the) district management point of view,” read the letter to Mayeza.

Traffic officers are paid more for work done during public holidays and emergency situations.

The officers also complained about a 2012 circular which stated that officers should not drive state vehicles for more than 2500km a month, something they said limited them from executing their duties.

Provincial transport spokeswoman, Ntombizomzi Bala said: “Traffic officers who work day shift are not allowed to use government vehicles when going to and from work. Only traffic officers who work between 2pm and 10pm that can use these vehicles under certain conditions.

“These traffic officers who work afternoon shift get to be on standby until the morning shift that starts at 06h00, hence they are allowed to take the government vehicles home.”

The Public Servants Association which represents the aggrieved officers, vowed to boycott overtime duties until all their overtime money was paid. According to the Amathole District officers, the protest action will spread to other regions as well.

VIA - dispatchlive.co.za