Vodacom strike proceeds

By Candice Jones, ITWeb online telecoms editor

Johannesburg, 01 Jun 2007

Communication Workers Union (CWU) members employed at Vodacom will begin strike action next week.

Earlier this week, the Labour Court discharged an interdict, which Vodacom was awarded, to prevent industrial action by the union on 12 March.

The nationwide strike, which is set to begin on Tuesday, was initially sparked by Vodacom's alleged refusal to recognise the CWU as a representative labour organisation within the company.

Vodacom previously said it would recognise the CWU in the workplace if it represented at least 30% of employees. The CWU says it meets this threshold, but Vodacom argues the CWU represents less than 10% of staff.

Phase one

CWU general secretary Gallant Roberts says the union will proceed with the following action:

Starting on Tuesday, 5 June, during employee lunch hours, members will wear union gear and discuss grievances and other related matters. From 6 to 10 June, members will participate in a go-slow and picket during lunch hours outside Vodacom facilities. Members will then take part in half-day strikes until 13 June when, unless the situation has been resolved, the CWU will initiate a full strike outside Vodacom headquarters nationwide.

The union says if there has been no settlement of the dispute by 15 June, workers will embark on phase two of the national industrial action, the details of which are not yet available.

The CWU is hoping the two parties will reach a resolution before the planned action starts.

Vodacom spokesperson Dot Field has re-issued a statement, saying: "Vodacom abides by the decision of the court."

She has refused to be drawn on other details, including the potential impact of the strike on Vodacom's operations.