Strike Violence: COSATU must come clean on disciplinary cases 

10 July 2014

The DA challenges COSATU to disclose all cases over the past 3 years in which they have suspended or cancelled the membership of union members who have been involved in acts of intimidation, violence and the destruction of property during a strike.

In opposing the DA's proposed Private Member's Bill that would prevent strike related violence, COSATU's spokesperson, Patrick Craven, argues that, "The federation and its affiliates have always done everything possible to ensure that its activities are peaceful, lawful and orderly. We have taken action against any members proved to be guilty of such offences."

The DA's proposed Bill seeks to strike a balance between workers' constitutionally guaranteed right to engage in lawful strikes and preserving the rule of law and safety of all South Africans.

With a reported 98 arrests associated with acts of violence, malicious destruction to property, intimidation of both fellow workers and members of the public with regard to the on-going NUMSA-led strike in the metal and engineering sector, COSATU must prove the veracity of the claim.

In the interest of ensuring public wellbeing, violence during strike action must be kept in check. The DA's Private Members' Bill on Strike Violence will do this by:

Requiring unions to comply with practical measures aimed at limiting or preventing violence before it occurs, including:

The education of workers regarding violence and the law before these workers go out on strike; and

Requiring unions to provide marshals for crowd control purposes and to prevent criminals infiltrating union ranks. 

Empowering courts to stop a strike that has become excessively violent by forcing the parties into arbitration;

Empowering courts to declare a strike that has become excessively violent as unprotected; and

Empowering courts to award damages against unions that have not implemented measures required in point 1 and 2. 

The DA will be writing to COSATU, requesting a meeting so as to discuss the our proposed Bill and COSATU's previous disciplinary actions against workers that have broken the law.

It is high time Parliament implements legislation that upholds workers' rights and ensures the safety of all South Africans - the DA has such a plan.

Statement issued by Ian Ollis MP, DA Shadow Minister of Labour, July 10 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter