• INSIGHT
MITIGATING STRIKE-RELATED VIOLENCE
By Brett Abraham , partner , and Nonjabulo Mthembu , associate at Webber Wentzel
Violence and intimidation associated with industrial action : using picketing rules and the Code on Harassment to mitigate strike-related violence .
All images supplied by Webber Wentzel
Employers trying to tackle violence related to industrial action have traditionally reacted with court proceedings and disciplinary action once such action has taken place . Employers should consider taking more proactive steps , including agreeing to picketing rules incorporating the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace .
Defining company culture Violence and unlawful conduct in the context of industrial action is a reality in South Africa . Increasingly , there appears to be nowhere for employers to turn as they seek to manage violent industrial action .
As South Africa reels from the economic and human cost of the NEHAWU strike in March 2023 , and while the image of union members at hospital entrances threatening health workers with a sjambok and intimidating doctors and nurses seeking to provide lifesaving care in March 2023 is etched in our minds , we discuss whether employers can rely on the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace ( Code ) in managing strike-related misconduct and , in particular , engagements with trade unions in seeking to quell such conduct .
Various trade unions have welcomed the introduction of the Code and have expressed their commitment to its objectives . Industrial action in South Africa , however , continues to be characterised by intimidation and violence by union members . It is often instigated by trade union leadership or , at least , not actively discouraged . Support for , or apathy towards , violent and unlawful conduct by trade union members is irreconcilable with the stated objective of the Code to eliminate all forms of harassment in the workplace and in any activity linked to or arising out of work .
The Code , issued in terms of the Employment Equity Act ( EEA ), requires employers to take steps to prevent and eliminate harassment . It describes harassment as unwanted conduct which impairs dignity and creates a hostile or intimidating work environment for one or more employees or is calculated to , or has the effect of , inducing submission by actual or threatened adverse consequences and is related to one or more of the grounds in respect of which discrimination is prohibited .
Throwing stones , carrying dangerous weapons , blocking workplace entrances , making death threats to management or members
Brett Abraham , partner at Webber Wentzel .
38 • African Mining • May 2023
Nonjabulo Mthembu , associate at Webber Wentzel . of rival trade union members and any threats to or intimidation of non-striking employees from attending to normal business operations could all fall into this category , which is wider than the Code ’ s predecessor ( that only dealt with sexual harassment ). Even strike-related conduct that does not amount to ‘ physical harassment ’ as described in the Code could still be regarded as bullying , mobbing or ‘ intimidation ’, which is described as " intentional behaviour that would cause a person of ordinary sensibilities to fear injury or harm ".
The Code does not place obligations on trade unions that are enforceable under the Code or the EEA , but it does accept that trade union representatives could be the perpetrators ( or victims ) of harassment . It tries to encourage trade union involvement by acknowledging that :
• trade unions are obligated to refrain from committing harassment ;
• trade unions have a role to play in contributing to a working environment in which harassment is unacceptable , by ensuring that standards of conduct do not cause offence and by discouraging unacceptable behaviour ;
• trade unions should , with employers if appropriate , implement awareness training initiatives to educate employees and shop stewards at all levels about harassment . Compliance should be reinforced and maintained through ongoing awareness programmes .
Employers will typically react to strike-related unlawful conduct using legal mechanisms such as interdicts and contempt of court proceedings . These only become available once strike-related violence ( or the conduct that amounts to harassment ) is an imminent threat or has already erupted . Employers will also take disciplinary action against employees identified as perpetrators of strike-related misconduct , in compliance with the obligations under the Labour Relations Act ( LRA ).
When the violent conduct is or could amount to harassment , such reactive steps may not , however , go far enough , given the Code ’ s emphasis on preventing and eliminating harassment in the workplace . It could now be necessary for employers to consider what further and proactive steps they may take to comply with this obligation .
The most obvious is to place more stringent obligations on trade unions in anticipation of protected strike action . No picket in support of a protected strike ( or in opposition to a protected lockout ) may take place without picketing rules :
• containing a collective agreement binding on the trade union ; or
• agreed between the employer and trade union as parties to the dispute ; or
• determined by the commissioner conciliating the dispute .
If picketing rules cannot be agreed , and must be established , the Commissioner must take account of any relevant code of practice . Consequently , the Code cannot be avoided .
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