Cosatu to oppose strike damage rules

[Kornhub]

Cape Town - Cosatu has vowed to "strongly oppose" attempts to change labour laws and allow municipalities to sue unions for damage caused by striking workers.

"Trade unions... cannot be held responsible for the illegal actions of people on or in the vicinity of their marches, who flout union instructions and commit criminal acts," the Cosatu said on Thursday.

It said most union activities were peaceful and disciplined.

"Cosatu will strongly oppose the SA Local Government Association's request to parliament for amendments to section 68(1) of the Labour Relations Act, to give municipalities the power to sue unions when striking workers loot and damage property."

To make unions liable for the financial consequences of any such actions could bankrupt them, Cosatu said.

This would make it impossible to mobilise union members in lawful and constitutionally protected action in support of legitimate demands.

"We will oppose it legally. We will mobilise against it; it's out of order. We know trashing of streets happens, but we do put measures in place to prevent it," Cosatu said.

"The amendment is tantamount to union-bashing. There is a danger that people who are not workers join strikes simply to create trouble. Maybe they are planted to do just that."

The federation said it would also oppose a Democratic Alliance private member's bill aimed at, among other things, forcing unions to take steps to prevent union members engaging in violence.

http://www.fin24.com/Economy/Cosatu-to-oppose-strike-damage-rules-20111103

 

[AniV]

If a Union is planning a protected, authorised strike or march then simply issue special event wristbands or some other form of non-removable identification to only proven members of the union. That way, if a person causing damage is wearing an armband they are obviously a union member and the union can be sued. If the person causing damage isn't tagged, then they should not be participating in the strike or march. If non-union members or members of the public wish to participate in a strike/march out of solidarity for the union members, they have to register their intent to participate with the union in advance in order to get a special "associated" armband or tag. Make a strike or a march just like a concert or any other event. You only get in if you're supposed to be there.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Ag boohoo cry me a river.

High time this hooliganism got to be stopped.

 

[Venomous]

if they don't wanna carry the cost then they must make sure they know who damaged the stuff & then make those people pay cosatu back monthly...

 

[ToxicBunny]

Precisely...

If you're on a protected organised strike/march... whoever organises the strike is responsible for the costs of any damage... they can then claim those costs back from whoever actually caused the damage.

 

[SinghDude]

Fsck you Vavi !!!

 

[Kornhub]

Just wondering who he thinks should pay?

 

[Venomous]

Precisely...

If you're on a protected organised strike/march... whoever organises the strike is responsible for the costs of any damage... they can then claim those costs back from whoever actually caused the damage.

SweetBunny!!

where have you been hiding?

 

[ToxicBunny]

SweetBunny!!

where have you been hiding?

Oi!

Watch it, I has a reputation to uphold

I been toooo busy werking, the life of a IT geek is never ending....

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

You people are blind. They're trying to prevent Cosatu from damaging the toll gantries

 

[Venomous]

Oi!

Watch it, I has a reputation to uphold

I been toooo busy werking, the life of a IT geek is never ending....

sowwy

remember to relax sometimes...

 

[OMB]

You people are blind. They're trying to prevent Cosatu from damaging the toll gantries

noooooo! but then that will be public protest and not a strike

 

[DreamKing]

It said most union activities were peaceful and disciplined.

To make unions liable for the financial consequences of any such actions could bankrupt them, Cosatu said

if "most union activities were peaceful and disciplined", then why will "make unions liable for the financial consequences of any such actions could bankrupt them"???

the fact is => "most union activities were NOT peaceful and disciplined"

 

[Kornhub]

if "most union activities were peaceful and disciplined", then why will "make unions liable for the financial consequences of any such actions could bankrupt them"???

the fact is => "most union activities were NOT peaceful and disciplined"

Exactly,make them think twice before they do a stupid union march.

 

[Kosmik]

Culpability? Never, agentz.