An interim court interdict declaring the strike action by National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) to be unlawful remains in force following a postponement of the final decision on the matter by the Labour Court today.

The court granted the interdict on 11 November restraining striking members of the union from disrupting Parliamentary Committee meetings and other sittings and from intimidating, harassing and/or assaulting officials.

Nehawu was expected to show cause by today as to why the order should not be made permanent. The court has now given the union until 4 December to indicate if they will be opposing the order.

Parliament is committed to continue discussion with the union to resolve the issues relating to the payment of performance bonuses for qualifying staff and urges the union to return to the discussions.

There is no other way to resolve the impasse other than open, constructive discussion predicated on mutual respect and commitment.

Despite the unlawful strike by the union, the business of Parliament has been proceeding. This week President Jacob Zuma delivered his annual address to the National Council of Province. A conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union was also successfully concluded.

Today’s committee meetings, including Select Committees on Finance and Appropriations, also proceeded as planned.

Issued by Parliament of RSA