The Labour Court in Johannesburg ruled on Friday that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa's) strike in the plastics sector was legal and that the employers in the sector could not undercut the union and its members’ right to strike.



This after Plastic Converters of South Africa tried to interdict the union from going on strike.

In a statement from the union, secretary general Irvin Jim expressed relief at the court decision, saying that it was always confident that it was in the right.



“The employers claimed that our strike was illegal and they have been peddling this propaganda in an attempt to victimise workers and stop them from making their demands. However, today the court found in our favour, and dismissed the application of the employers. They lost the case,” the statement said.

Jim said the union would be willing to call an end to the strike if employers considered and agreed to their demands. Numsa represents at least 10 000 workers in the sector.

“Engage meaningfully with us on these demands and stop wasting our time with frivolous legal battles. Give our members what they want today and then we can settle the strike. If you do not, you will continue to bleed profits, and the industry will continue to suffer huge losses,” the statement said.

The union says it wants better wages for employees and improved working conditions.