BL Premium reports that Labour Court judge André van Niekerk on Monday upheld an order by a colleague interdicting the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) from embarking on a work stoppage in support of demands for higher wages.

The Department of Public Service & Administration (DPSA) had successfully approached the court on Saturday for an order interdicting the strike from going ahead from Monday. Judge Edwin Tlhotlhalemaje undertook to file reasons for his ruling on Monday. But Cosatu-affiliate Nehawu lodged an appeal against the ruling on Sunday. It argued that as a result of this action the strike could go ahead as planned. On Monday, DPSA acting Minister Thulas Nxesi approached the court for an order granting leave to execute Tlhotlhalemaje’s ruling. In his ruling, Van Niekerk indicated: “In relation to irreparable harm, the case made by the applicant that it will suffer irreparable harm should the order not be granted, as will members of the public who seek to access a variety of public services, is not seriously disputed.” The DPSA was granted leave to execute the order issued by Tlhotlhalemaje. The court order effectively means Nehawu is interdicted from going ahead with the industrial action. Nehawu’s Lwazi Nkolonzi said their legal team was still studying the judgment and a way forward will be communicated. Disruptions at some medical facilities were reported on Monday. According to Nehawu, union members in the departments of higher education, home affairs and public service, as well as the magistrate’s courts, had also downed tools. Nxesi urged unions to return to the public service co-ordinating bargaining council (PSCBC) to resolve disputes in an orderly manner through dialogue.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page