IGOLI 2002 PROTEST ACTION NOTICE WITHDRAWN 

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) in conjunction with Imatu (Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Unions) and the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) today withdrew their section 77(1)(b) and (d) notices regarding protest action around the proposed Igoli 2002 plan.

The protest action was due to get underway today and last until 31 March.

In the letter received at Nedlac this afternoon, the unions did not give reasons for the withdrawal of the notices.

Background

The notice was served in terms of s77(1) of the Labour Relations Act which gives workers the right to embark on protest action to promote and protect their social and economic interests, if they follow certain procedures. Nedlac, or another appropriate forum, is required to consider the notice with a view to resolving the matter through a process of facilitation. Thereafter, if attempts at resolution fail, the union or federation may serve a second notice on Nedlac of its intention to proceed with the protest action. This second notice must be served on Nedlac at least 14-days before the protest action starts.

Fedusa's first notice of protest action was tabled at Nedlac on 27 October 1999. A meeting was held at which it was agreed to refer the matter to a mediation process that was already underway. At a meeting of Nedlac's Management Committee on 28 January, it was agreed that the mediation process to which the matter had been referred, had not resolved the issues.

The section 77(1)(d) notice was tabled at Nedlac on 21 February 2000.