Johannesburg - The intended strike action by Uasa members at the SA Naval Base in Simon's Town has been interdicted, the union said on Friday.
“The Labour Court granted an interim order to Navigators CC this morning and the return date is November 21, for Uasa to show cause why the interim order should not be made permanent,” said spokesman Andre Venter.
He said Navigators CC was a labour broker appointed to provide dock and maintenance services.
“Uasa members in Simon's Town have been denied upward mobility and a decent job for 26 years because of the shameful practice by the SA Navy through Armscor of appointing new labour brokers every three years or so.”
He said the members mandated the union to demand permanent employment.
“When negotiations failed, we took the matter up with the CCMA, and because the matter was not resolved, a certificate of non-resolution was issued by the commissioner.
“Uasa consequently held a strike ballot among our members and the overwhelming majority of members indicated that they wish to embark on a protected strike.”
Venter said a notice of intention to embark on strike was served on Thursday to start the strike action on Monday.
The strike was supposed to start on Monday, and could have impacted on a joint maritime exercise between India, Brazil and South Africa, which is set to take place between October 26 and November 7.
“We are confident that we will successfully show just cause when we return to the labour court on November 21. In his order, the judge ordered that we may anticipate strike action within 48 hours, should he rule in our favour.” - Sapa