NEDLAC TO MEET AGAIN REGARDING POSSIBLE COSATU PROTEST ACTION ABOUT THE VIOLENCE IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY IN THE WESTERN CAPE 

The Nedlac standing committee on section 77 notices will meet in Johannesburg tomorrow to further consider the notice of possible protest action tabled by the Western Cape region of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. The notice is directed at the Western Cape Provincial Government.

The Nedlac committee consists of all four Nedlac parties: government, business, labour and the community constituency. They will receive a report-back on progress since the last meeting, where the parties agreed to set up an all-inclusive Community Transport Forum to try to ensure the issues in the industry are addressed.

Tomorrow's meeting will be attended by the applicants, representatives of the Western Cape Provincial Government as well as representatives of the national departments of Safety and Security and Transport.

Nedlac's Executive Director, Phillip Dexter, who will chair the meeting, said that it was important that a concerted, co-ordinated and inclusive process address this issue. "This is not just a matter that involves two parties. It has ramifications for business, for consumers and for other interest groups. By bringing in all the interested parties, we can hopefully reach a speedy resolution to this crisis."

Background

The notice was tabled on June 19 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.

In the notice served on Nedlac, Cosatu argues that the violence in the transport industry is having a negative impact on workers in respect of:

• The working conditions of bus and taxi drivers
• Members facing disciplinary measures for late coming and absenteeism at the workplace due to the disruption of services
• The ability of workers residing in the affected areas to seek a living and carry out economic activity
• The impact on operators and employers in the industry which could impact on the ability of the industry to preserve and create jobs in the province.

The contact person at Cosatu is Evan Abrahamse on 021 448-0045.