Labour Court denies strike action
The order states that any strike or lockout action taken by the members of the union that might take place before the finalisation of the review, would be regarded as unlawful and unprotected.
The Labour Court of South Africa has denied the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) permission to strike in Newcastle.
On May 21, SAMWU was given until July 30 to provide valid reasons why the court should not rule in favour of Newcastle Municipality to obtain an interdict preventing workers from embarking on any strike or lockout action.
Pending the outcome of a review of the situation by the court, an interim order was issued, directing the South African Police Services to do all things lawful and necessary to ensure compliance with this court order.
The order states that any strike or lockout action taken by the members of the union that might take place before the finalisation of the review, would be regarded as unlawful and unprotected.
The South African Local Government Bargaining Council was also ordered to make the records available of the conciliation of proceedings that led to the Certificate of Outcome issued on May 9, authorising SAMWU to embark on strike and/or lockout action. They have been given until June 4 to provide these documents to the Labour Court, for full review.
Residents can remember clearly the terrible state of streets in the CBD were following previous strikes, when rubbish bins were overturned on every street.
For now, SAMWU will be forced to wait for the Labour Court’s decision, before taking any rash action that could find workers in jail.
See links below for articles relating to the strike actions.
Furious protesters corner municipality staff
Protesters corner MM for meeting
Police crush municipal protest
Protesters blamed for water cuts
