2009-09-14: Labour court's decision vindicates City

2009-09-14: Labour court's decision vindicates City

THE City of Johannesburg faced an advent of an indefinite strike by members of SAMWU on salary progression related issues despite the fact that a Commissioner at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) had ruled that the local division had no jurisdiction to deal with the issue and that the matter had been set up for arbitration on 08 October 2009.

The City of Johannesburg welcomes the ruling by the Labour Court of South Africa to interdict the SA Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) from embarking on what they advised as "an indefinite strike" which was due to start yesterday (Monday 14 September).

The ruling by Justice Molahlehi vindicates the City's position that disputes with the union and its members should be resolved through collective bargaining, following and respecting the processes and prescripts of the LRA and negotiations rather than perpetual strike action on all issues discussed between the parties as it is happening now.

The Court further ordered an interdict to restrain SAMWU and its members from embarking on or organising a strike from Monday. Should SAMWU members continue to strike, their strike will be unlawful and unprotected.

The Court's order will be in effect pending the outcome of the interpretation dispute currently in place at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).

This City said it was unfortunate that, once again, it has to contend with threats of strike action over an issue that could have been resolved with it without the necessity of strike action in the first place.

The added that it fully commits to the bargaining process which SAMWU is also a signatory to, save to say that such engagements need to take place at the appropriate level of the SALGBC as this will avoid unnecessary disputes and strikes. Johannesburg management remain optimistic that resolution to disputes will always be found at this forum.

The most significant fact in this matter is that the strike action has been averted. This means that the deserving community of Johannesburg will continue to receive the much deserved municipal services rendered without undue interruptions or disruptions. This is good news for the Johannesburg residents who pay their bills in exchange for these services.

Issued by:

The Public Liasion

Communication Department

City of Johannesburg

For enquiries contact:

Gabu Tugwana

Communication Director

Tel: 011 407 7162

Cell: 082 495 5673