Update

GEORGE NEWS - Essential workers of the George Municipality will be picketing until closing hours at the municipal building.

Negotiations between the leaders of the unions Samwu and Imatu and municipal management have been concluded for the day, said Samwu chairman Mfundo Mthamo this afternoon. 

"Talks have not ended in a deadlock, but will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday next week."

They are negotiating for compensation for essential workers who worked through hard lockdown last year. Yesterday, Thursday 3 June, the municipal management offered two days' leave, but the workers want monetary compensation.

Mthamo said Acting Municipal Manager Michele Gratz did not want to meet the workers' demand that she should address the whole crowd this morning. "We had wanted to resolve the issue by 12:00 to return to work. However, the workers will now only leave after the MM has come out to talk to the workers."

They intend waiting until closing time and will decide afterwards whether work will be resumed on Monday.

Comment is being awaited from the municipality. Imatu's chairman could not be reached for comment.

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