Relations between the ANC and Cosatu have been strained over a number of amendments to the labour laws as well as the now-postponed Gauteng e-toll system. Cosatu drew thousands into the streets in major cities across the country on March 7 in a show of force against labour brokering and the highway e-tolling system.
It now appears that a better understanding between the parties could result in the government scrapping several proposed amendments to labour laws now before Parliament, including a clause requiring a ballot before a strike may begin - a proposal aimed at quashing violence and intimidation during industrial action. According to Business Day, a media statement from Cosatu says that following a series of bilateral meetings the ANC leadership has agreed that amendments before Parliament which threatened the right to strike should be withdrawn.
Labour relations consultant Tony Healy expressed surprise at the development, describing it as "distressing", if true. "... without the strike ballot provision, strikes can be called with minority support ... therefore increasing potential for intimidation," He said.
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