'Transnet cannot unilaterally force employees to take leave'

The Labour Court has ruled that Transnet cannot unilaterally enforce leave on some of its employees. The court found in favour of the United National Transport Union (UNTU) that Transnet acted in breach of its collective agreements with the union. The court found the agreement makes no express provision that entitles Transnet to compel employees to take annual leave during shutdown periods or periods when operational demands are low. General Secretary of UNTU, Steve Harris says he believes the ruling was fair in one aspect.

Harris says the court further held that UNTU and Transnet must set up a joint task team to determine the identity of the affected employees and to decide on appropriate relief within 30 days.