'Firefighters are being paid overtime'

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'Firefighters are being paid overtime'

17 July 2015 5:35 PM

Head of Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services, Tshepo Makola, insists firefighters are being paid for overtime.

Makola reassured Johannesburg residents that although some firefighters have embarked on a go slow there are measures in place to deal with emergencies.

“I am confident that currently across the city there are people to deal with a fire… the people of the city must rest assured.”

He said it’s not true that firefighters are not being paid for overtime.

“They are misinterpreting the basic conditions of employment.”

Earlier, there were reports that Joburg firefighters are refusing to work overtime. This is following a deadlock at the bargaining council meeting, where municipal workers have complained about poor working conditions, salaries and staff shortages.

Firefighters decided they will only work from only 8am - 4pm and 4pm to 7pm - meaning fire stations could be without staff between 4pm and 7pm daily.

Robert Mulaudzi of Joburg Emergency Management Services speaks on this.

It’s only a few firefighters who are protesting. We are not worried at the moment, we don’t expect any disruptions.
— Robert Mulaudzi, Joburg Emergency Management Services

Listen to the full conversation below:

Mia Lindeque reports this on the John Robbie show below:

This article first appeared on 702 : 'Firefighters are being paid overtime'

Written by: Nonkululeko Britton