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Johannesburg - Workers in SA have the constitutional right to strike, but this action, and employers' responses must be in line with the Labour Relations Act, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana said on Thursday.
The act gives employees the right to strike, but employers also have the right to lock them out, he said in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
"The Labour Relations Act does not protect criminal activities perpetrated under the disguise of industrial action."
Although everyone had the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, it had to be peaceful and unarmed.
"Everyone has right to life and to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources."
Ahead of or during a strike, anyone could ask the courts for an interdict if it did not comply with the law. The police could step in if there was malicious damage to property, or violence and intimidation. Section 150 of the act allows the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to intervene in disputes of public interest. This is to find a speedy resolution and minimise damage.
Some strikes, like the recent one by public servants' drew criticism when pockets of picketers intimidated others into also going on strike, or prevented access to certain buildings.
