13 February 2024

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its tried and tested Affiliate, the National Health, Education and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) on its historic Labour Court order enforcing the 2023 public service strike settlement agreement.

This is a massive victory in defence of collective bargaining, workers’ hard won constitutional rights to unionise and to strike which have been under shameful attacks from employers across the board.

This progressive court order provides a major legal precedent that will enable unions in both the public and private sectors to not only assert workers’ right to strike in defence of their demands but also to hold employers accountable for the enforcement of collective agreements and strike settlements.

Workers’ rights were not delivered on a silver platter.  They were won on the streets and in court battles.  This is a victory for not only NEHAWU and its members across the public service and sector but in fact the entire labour movement and the working class.

The Federation is proud that all of its Affiliates consistently affirm themselves as the leading detachments of working class struggles.

Issued by COSATU

For further information please contact:
Matthew Parks
Acting National Spokesperson & Parliamentary Coordinator
Cell: 082 785 0687