Mobile phone operator Cell C says it will seek an interdict in the labour court to ground the planned strike by the workers affiliated to the Information Communication and Technology Union (ICTU).
The strike action by ICTU which is expected to start on Monday is over a dispute between Cell C and the union regarding the non-payment of 2017/18 outstanding performance bonuses.
For more read: Cell C Workers To Embark On A Full-Blown Strike
According to the notice of motion and founding affidavit sent to ICTU, Cell C is planning to seek an urgent interdict at the labour court tomorrow at 10 am.
The company will be seeking a court order interdicting ICTU and its member’s participation in an unprotected strike action and related potential unlawful conduct, and engaging in acts of hate speech, racism and issuing threats to the safety of management and non-striking employees.
Furthermore, Cell C wants the court to rule that “the respondents (ICTU and 1108 Cell C workers) are interdicted from communicating defamatory or threatening messages relating to the applicant (Cell C) and/or its employees in any print media and/or any electronic messaging, chat groups or social media platforms.”
The company through its attorney’s Petersen, Hertog and Associates wants the court to prevent ICTU and its members from interfering with entry into or exit from any Cell C premises.
Commenting on the development on Sunday, ICTU Deputy President Origenous Mogoatlhe said:
“This is what you get from advocates that are paid millions. They draft court papers and advice the company to harass employees by sending such unregistered misleading and intimidating court papers”.
ICTU is an affiliate of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which is led by Zwelinzima Vavi.
The union represents close to 1,300 members at Cell C.
