NEWS ANALYSIS: Labour Court ruling on violent strikes is a game-changer
Consequences in the matter between Dis-Chem and the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers are far-reaching
The Labour Court ruling barring striking Dis-Chem workers from protesting and picketing outside the retail pharmacy’s premises will have a lasting impact on the power dynamic between employers and unions during strikes. As more trade unions resort to violent strike action to put pressure on employers to concede to their demands, which are mostly wage-related, the Labour Court has served as a last resort for frustrated employers. While the court ordinarily would stop at issuing interdicts in urgent cases related to the nature and lawfulness of the strike itself, the extraordinary ruling delivered last week in the matter between Dis-Chem and the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) is far-reaching. In explaining why the union had forfeited the right to conduct a picket or protest as part of strike action, acting judge Sean Snyman told Nupsaw that if its members “cannot behave, they cannot play”. The union’s members were engaged in a violent protected strike ove...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.