STRIKE ACTION OF THE KWAZULU JUSTICE OFFICIALS

Issued by: SA Communication Service

MEDIA RELEASE BY MR A M OMAR MP, MINISTER OF JUSTICE RELATING TO THE STRIKE ACTION OF THE KWAZULU JUSTICE OFFICIALS

In pursuance to my previous media release (dated 2 and 5 September 1996) I wish to point out the following:

• All the demands of the "ex-KwaZulu Justice Officials" up to 7 September 1996 were considered and those demands that were reasonable, were met.
• The continuous additional demands from the leadership of this organisation of justice officials, however, indicates no good faith on their part.
• As a result of the strike action the administration of justice is suffering badly and the public to whom no services are being rendered are likewise being prejudiced.
• The fact that the strike has continued today - notwithstanding the fact that channels of communication to resolve grievances have been put in place and that reasonable demands were met - has left the Department of Justice with no alternative, but to issue a notice to the striking officials in terms of the Public Service Labour Relation Act, 1994. This notice informs all the employees in the region of the Regional Office, Ulundi, who are striking illegally to resume their normal duties immediately. Failure to heed this notice could lead to their dismissal in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Labour Relations Act.

I also wish to point out that any interference by striking officials with the work of Magistrates' Offices, is a criminal offence and people who do so could be prosecuted.

ISSUED BY THE CHIEF LIAISON OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ON BEHALF OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE.

PRETORIA 9 SEPTEMBER 1996

ENQUIRIES: ADV P A DU RAND CELL NO: 082 651 8527

DEPARTEMENT VAN JUSTISIE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LEFAPHA LA BOSIAMISI

TO ALL STRIKING EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 19(11)(a) OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LABOUR RELATIONS ACT, 1994

I, Nicolaas Grobler, Chief Director: Personnel and Designated Officer in terms of Circular 48 of 1994, hereby give notice in terms of section 19(11)(a) of the Public Service Labour Relations Act, 1994 (Act) that all employees in the region of the Regional Office, Ulundi and striking in contravention of the provisions of the Act are to resume their normal duties immediately. Failing to do so on or before 9h00 on 11 September 1996, will necessitate the Department to consider to take further steps in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

SIGNED AT PRETORIA ON THIS THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1996

(signed) DESIGNATED OFFICER

DEPARTEMENT VAN JUSTISIE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LEFAPHA LA BOSIAMISI

TO ALL STRIKING EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Kindly note that section 19(7) of the Public Service Labour Relations Act, 1994 provides that no employee shall be remunerated for the period of his or her participation in any strike or any other work stoppage which is not a strike, or for the duration of any lawful lock-out.

SIGNED AT PRETORIA ON THIS THE 9TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1996

(signed) DESIGNATED OFFICER