Acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts, said the workers did not have the authority to embark on a picket.
“The workers who were picketing intimidated those workers who had chosen not to partake in the gathering,” he said.
When officers arrived at the premises they warned the picketing workers to disperse. But when the workers refused to leave, all 22 were arrested.
“We will not tolerate illegal strikes, pickets or gatherings, especially when there are incidents of intimidation involved,” said Lt Col Roberts.
He added that for anyone to embark on a strike, or picket action, they must abide by the Gatherings Act.
The 22 workers appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of intimidation.
