PHUTI MOSOMANE
THE Labour Court on Monday ruled that the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) ‘illegal and unprotected’ strike has been interdicted with immediate effect.
According to the court order, Nehawu affiliated members and all essential services employees are prevented from continuing with the violent strike action, which the union has said earlier it will intensify.
The labour court said the order will remain in force until the final determination of the appeal against the order made by the Labour Court on March 4 interdicting the strike by Nehawu.
The court also ordered the trade union to inform its members of the order of the court through publication on social media, by email and by all other appropriate means available to it by no later than 1pm on Monday.
The Ministry of Health has welcomed the court order against Nehawu.
DA Shadow Minister of Police, Andrew Whitfield, said the Labour Appeal Court’s decision to interdict Nehawu from continuing with their strike means that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has no option other than to act if the strike continue.
“The DA therefore calls on the SAPS to act urgently and prevent any NEHAWU member from obstructing the operation of any hospital or clinic. Any death caused as a result of a delay in medical services will be on their hands and they together with the union bosses must be held responsible,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield said while the Constitution protects the right to protest and demonstrate, it does not allow for non-peaceful strikes or intimidation.
Nehawu workers embarked on an unprotected strike nationwide last week Monday, demanding a 10% wage increase and a 2.5% housing allowance.
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