Ekurhuleni wins legal battle to keep MECSU strike within the law

The City of Ekurhuleni has secured a High Court order to enforce picketing rules during the ongoing strike by members of the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU).

The order, issued by the Labour Court in Johannesburg on October 1, compels striking workers to adhere to lawful protest conduct and refrain from intimidation, violence, or any actions that disrupt municipal services.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni strike: MECSU protests disrupt city services, court orders issued

The ruling requires MECSU and its members to:

Appoint marshals to monitor picketing at designated sites.

Restrict demonstrations to approved areas between 07:00 and 17:00 on working days.

Avoid unlawful behaviour such as intimidation, preventing non-striking employees or the public from accessing premises, damaging property, or assaulting individuals.

Do not wear masks, carry dangerous weapons, or have inflammable materials.

ALSO READ: WATCH: MECSU strike in Germiston CBD enters fifth day, causing traffic delays

In a statement, the city emphasised that it will not hesitate to enforce the order in full and hold violators accountable.

“This ruling protects the rights of residents to uninterrupted services while ensuring that the strike remains peaceful and within the framework of the law,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

MECSU secretary-general Vukile Mlungwana said the ruling is a confirmation of existing picketing rules already agreed upon by both parties.

“The interim order merely confirms the picketing rules which were agreed to between the city and MECSU in the furtherance of the strike.

“We have always guided our members to conduct themselves within the rules and we have no reports of misconduct,” said Mlungwana.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Police fire rubber bullets as Germiston council protest escalates

The union criticised the city’s legal approach, arguing that it is avoiding meaningful negotiations. “What concerns us most is the city’s conduct of running to court each week at taxpayers’ expense, instead of sitting down to resolve the issues.

“This is despite a court order of August 11 that directed the city to appoint and pay for an independent facilitator to assist in negotiations,” explained Mlungwana.

The strike, which has disrupted several municipal services, remains unresolved as both parties continue to stand firm. While the city insists on order and adherence to the law, MECSU has called for urgent and fair negotiations to address workers’ demands.