An overview of the right to strike phenomenon in South Africa

Abstract

Marikana massacre in South Africa came about as a result of the vicious strike actions by the mining workers. Marikana is just one of the numerous strike actions by various trade unions and their members. In most cases, the strikes were usually triggered by demand for increase in wages. Undoubtedly, workers have rights to strike within the limit of the law but the reality on the ground portrays a different phenomenon. Most strike actions have been embarked upon in flagrant violation of the rules of the game. The consequences of unprotected strike have serious implications on socio economic growth and at the same time producing violent and criminal enterprises in the course of the actions. At the end of the day, everyone will be loosers because in most of the cases, trade unions have not been seen to use and explore the possibility of collective bargaining to resolve trade dispute. While this paper subscribes to the right of workers to strike, it argues that the rights of other parties are as important as the rights of the striking workers.