Traffic Officials Embark On Strike, Disrupt Airport Traffic

Crucial expressways providing logistics to and from OR Tambo International Airport were disrupted by industrial action by traffic officials working for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department EMPD.

Officers used EMPD vehicles to blockade roads such as the R21 between Bapsfontein and the OR Tambo Interchange, the N3 north and the N17.

It is understood that the strike was sparked by ongoing salary adjustment disagreements, overtime cuts, so-called unfair labour practices and apparent non-resolution of previous departmental disputes.

A Travel Advisory warned commuters to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to avoid missing flights, plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time, and stay updated on real-time traffic conditions via navigation apps or official transport channels.

It is unclear whether any of the traffic officials were arrested for using government property to disrupt traffic on three national roads.

According to the Labour Relations Act of 1995, essential services are defined as those whose interruption endangers the life, personal safety, or health of the whole or any part of the population Section 213.

However, while traffic management is crucial for public safety, not all traffic services are automatically classified as essential.