Unions, govt agree on truce

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Monday August 16, 2010 00:00

 

The settlement stems from a legal battle between the parties last month after governments attempts to de-recognise the unions were exposed forcing the five to go to the High Court seeking urgent court intervention. The unions cited the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) as the first respondent and Attorney General (AG) as the second respondent.

The settlement states that the five trade unions will continue to enjoy government recognition.  'All applicants shall continue to enjoy recognition by the First Respondent in terms of existing Recognition Agreements and or Memoranda of Agreement and that future de-recognitions, if any, will be done in accordance with the provisions of the applicable laws.The respondents shall pay three quarters of the applicants costs, the same to be agreed or taxed,' the settlement says.

During the trial, the attorneys representing the unions, Rantao and Kewagamang Attorneys argued that government was wrong to require the unions to make fresh applications for recognition on the basis that the new Public Service Act was getting into operation. They said that the welfare of over 90,000 members of the unions was in danger, while government was trying to have an upper hand over the employees.

He accused the government of trying to overlook the International Labour Organisation treaty and the constitutional right of the workers to associate. The Public Service Act was effected on May 1 and it recognises the establishment of a bargaining council that consists of representatives from trade unions and government. Justice Onkemetse Tshosa presided while Kebonyemodisa represented the Attorney General.