BusinessLive reports that the Labour Court in Johannesburg has made an unprecedented ruling barring Dis-Chem workers from picketing and protesting.  

The court has ordered Dis-Chem employees affiliated to the National Union of Public Service & Allied Workers (Nupsaw) to stop wage demonstrations outside the retail pharmacy’s premises until 27 February.  The interim order comes just a few weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed amendments to the Labour Relations Act, including provisions to mitigate prolonged and violent strikes.  The interim relief granted to Dis-Chem has not deterred Nupsaw.  Union spokesperson Thariza Steyn said the strike would continue:  “We are only prohibited to picket, protest, gather or assemble at any place to which the public has access outside Dis-Chem’s premises.  Our members are not going to be bullied by the employer.  They won’t go back to work and their strike is legal.”  The union also expressed the hope that the interim relief would be overturned when the parties meet again on 27 February.  The workers are demanding a minimum wage of R12,500 for all workers, an increase of 12.5% for those earning above that rate and a guaranteed annual bonus equal to their basic salaries.  Nupsaw is also at loggerheads with the company over its recognition agreement.

• Read Theto Mahlakoana’s full original report in this regard at BusinessLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page