M Mdladlana on security guards strike

12 May 2006

The unsuccessful Labour Appeal Court bid on Thursday by security industry
employers to have the ongoing strike declared illegal was a grim reminder to
both parties of how crucial negotiations were, Labour Minister Membathisi
Mdladlana said today (Friday).

As the employers and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union
(SATAWU) are scheduled to resume talks under the auspices of the Commission for
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration of South Africa (CCMA) today, Minister
Mdladlana said both parties had it within their powers to grab the opportunity
and end the violent strike that has resulted in lost lives over the past seven
weeks.

“Time has come for employers to swallow their pride and return to the
negotiating table. We hope this court decision will make them realise that the
only way of resolving this dispute is through negotiations,” Minister Mdladlana
said.

The prospect of the two parties finally sitting down and thrashing out a
solution to the protracted strike was bringing relief to everyone.

“I have been repeatedly calling for this to happen for a long time now. I
wish the parties a fruitful outcome and a lasting solution, but I want the
parties to know that I am watching the proceeding with keen interest,” the
Minister said.

The scheduled talks take place just a day after the Labour Appeal Court
dismissed the employers’ application for the reversal of an earlier Labour
Court ruling declaring the strike legal and therefore protected by law.

Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Website: http://www.labour.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Labour
12 May 2006