Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has been ordered by the Labour Court to stop picketing and “engaging in an unprotected strike”.
The decision followed an urgent application for an interdict against POPCRU submitted by the Department of Correctional Services last night. In terms of the court decision POPCRU is restrained from:
* Blocking and/or preventing employees of Correctional Services or any member of the public from entering or leaving the premises
* Interfering or intimidating the employees of Correctional Services in the execution and/or furtherance of their duties
* Picketing or protesting within a distance of 200m of the premises of Correctional Services.
POPCRU was also ordered to pay the legal costs. The Department of Correctional Services is an essential service security institution whose primary responsibility is to protect the public from offenders. In terms of the Labour Relations Act industrial action is wholly prohibited among correctional officials.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
5 June 2009
