Introducing a Serpent into the Garden of Collective Bargaining: A Case Analysis of Numsa Obo Members v Elements Six Productions (Pty) Ltd [2017] ZALCJHB 35 (7 February 2017)

Abstract

This case note is an analysis of Numsa obo Members v Elements Six Productions (Pty) Ltd [2017] ZALCJHB 35 (7 February 2017). The jurisprudence advanced in this case is pertinent to balancing the employer and employee’s rights in the context of collective bargaining. The worker’s right to strike is one of the rights entrenched in the South African constitution. In addition, this right to strike should not be directly or indirectly undermined without a just cause. The preamble of the South African Constitution seeks to redress the unjust laws of the past including those in the employment arena. Furthermore, unfair discrimination is also one of the prohibited practices which are sanctioned not only domestically but internationally as well in terms of the International Labour Conventions. This note contributes to the existing literature of labour law by critically analysing the decision reached by Tlhotlhalemaje J.

Keywords

• rewarding a non striker
• collective bargaining
• labour relations
• Right to strike
• unfair
• discrimination
• employers’ rights
• employees’ rights