Industrial action by the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) in the Western Cape was averted

Industrial action by the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) in the Western Cape was averted when the union met with ……. At Nedlac this week. The parties met to discuss the notice of possible protest action brought to Nedlac by the union. Although full consensus was not reached, the parties have agreed to further meetings to resolve the issues.

The unions tabled two issues for discussion. Firstly, the union believes there has been insufficient consultation with the union and other stakeholders by government over negotiations with the European Union regarding the fishing industry in the Western Cape. The union is also concerned over the manner in which fishing quotas are allocated in the Western Cape.

The department has agreed to greater consultation with the union and the inclusion of the union in further negotiations with the European Union. In terms of fishing quotas, the department and the union have reached agreement on further processes to resolve the issue. Discussions on fishing quotas will take place outside of Nedlac. However, if no consensus is reached, the issue will again be tabled at Nedlac.

The notice of possible protest action was tabled by FAWU in terms of Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act, which allows registered trade unions or federations of trade unions to undertake protest action to promote and protect the social and economic interests of workers, if they follow certain procedures. Before embarking on protest action, the trade union concerned is required to serve notice on Nedlac stating the reasons for the protest action and the intended nature of the protest action. The Act requires the Nedlac parties to meet with the trade union and the parties at whom the notice is directed, to consider the issues raised. Should the issues remain unresolved after thorough consideration, workers are entitled to participate in protected protest action 14 days after serving a second notice on Nedlac of their intention to proceed with the action.