3 June 2007
Government condemns the action of essential service workers, who, in
contravention of the Labour Relations Act and in defiance of the Labour Court
Interdict of Thursday, 31 May 2007, have engaged industrial action. We likewise
condemn the action of employees who have been intimidating essential service
employees and preventing them from performing their duties. This action is in
contravention of the court interdict and subject to prosecution.
I once again emphasise that such action is not protected and is liable to
prosecution. Our constitution provides us with rights â the right of
association and the right to strike are fundamental principles to which we
adhere. But I must repeat that we will not tolerate intimidation of those who
choose not to strike, nor will we tolerate any disruption of essential
services, or abuse of members of the public.
The Department of Public Service and Administration is issuing an ultimatum
that essential service workers must report to work within an hour of their
scheduled duties or they will be subject to prosecution in terms of this
interdict. The ultimatum also indicates that employees who are intimidating
other employees will be prosecuted in terms of the interdict.
The employer has taken the initiative to refer the current dispute regarding
essential services for arbitration. Both parties have agreed to continue
negotiations tomorrow. We will be reconvening in the bargaining council
tomorrow morning. We are confident that an agreement can be reached that is in
the best interests of the public service, the employer and the nation.
We urge employees to act responsibly so that these negotiations can be
concluded without further detriment to the employees, the government and the
public which we are all committed to serve.
For enquiries or requests for interviews please call:
Nelson Kgwete
Cell: 082 806 2292
Issued by: Department of Public Service and Administration
3 June 2007
