13 May

Govt is bringing back secret strike ballot to protect union members from intimidation

Carol Paton

Share your Subscriber Article

You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend!

0:00

Striking mine workers demonstrate as they protest over wage demands outside the Nkageng informal settlement on the platinum belt in this file picture.

Felix Dlangamandla/Getty Image

The Department of Employment and Labour says it will reintroduce provisions to make balloting before and during a strike secret. Secret ballots have been opposed by many trade unions who want the decision to strike decided by a show of hands.

This has enabled intimidation, which has been rife in SA’s labour history, particularly where strikes are long or become politicised.

EXPLAINER | Why unions have mixed feelings on secret ballot

Support independent journalism

Get 14 days free to read all our investigative and in-depth journalism. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

Next on Fin24

Shoprite, Checkers recall canned tuna

3h ago