An interim interdict that stopped industrial action at Vodacom in March was lifted by the Johannesburg Labour Court on Monday, the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) said.
Union spokesperson Mfanafuthi Sithebe said the court had ”opened the way for CWU to resume its strike”.
”In his judgement against Vodacom, Judge MH Rampai affirmed the right to strike and called Vodacom’s behaviour a ‘pernicious practice’.”
Members would be consulted about possible strike action, he said.
On March 12, Vodacom obtained an interim court order preventing workers belonging to the CWU from striking.
After a single day of picketing, before the full strike had begun, the interdict was obtained from the Labour Court, Sithebe said.
The industrial action followed an unresolved dispute on the recognition of the CWU by Vodacom.
While the union argued for recognition, the company said in April that the union would only be recognised when 30% of Vodacom employees joined it.
The union had mixed reactions to the ruling, Sithebe said.
”We are happy that finally the court did the right thing. But we are also unhappy because justice delayed is justice denied. We are ready to go forward.”
Vodacom were directed to pay costs.
Vodacom spokesperson Dot Field said: ”We note the ruling and will abide by it.” — Sapa