Johannesburg – The City of Tshwane on Friday announced that it has secured a “permanent interdict” against its striking employees it said were affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU).
“Today, (15 September 2023), the Labour Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, granted the City of Tshwane a permanent interdict against its striking employees,” a statement released by the City of Tshwane said.
The City said it approached the Labour Court on, “an urgent basis”, following an “unlawful and unprotected protest by some employees affiliated to the labour movement SAMWU, who intimidated their non-striking colleagues and caused damage to property”.
The City said management made a case in court that the strike action be declared unlawful and unprotected, an argument acceded to by the court on 28 July 2023, when it granted the interim interdict against the strike.
The statement said: “Today’s court decision is in concurrence with the metropolitan municipality’s stance and now makes the order permanent”.
Commenting on the court ruling Tshwane City Manager, Johann Mettler, said: “It is important to note that the court restricts employees from participating in the unlawful strike action and performing any acts in continuance or furtherance thereof.
“In addition, this permanent interdict confirms that strikers are restrained from performing any acts of destruction of any private or public property, or from performing acts of intimidation towards any of the city’s employees.”
Mettler, said the City trusts that the strikers will respect and comply with the permanent court order.
“In addition, they will return to work and take up their posts to discharge their responsibilities of providing service delivery to residents and customers.”
