The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) can confirm that the National Association of South African Workers Union (NASA Workers) has embarked on a protected strike at the organisation’s main campus in Pretoria.

The strike is a result of an impasse between the CSIR and NASA Workers, which wants to be recognised as the official employee union within the organisation. The CSIR recognises an official union as one that has sufficient representation in the workplace, however, to date NASA Workers confirmed membership amongst CSIR employees is for 41 staff members only. This is insignificant and not sufficiently representative of the CSIR staff compliment of approximately 2300 employees, to warrant any formal recognition consideration.

The CSIR has had several meetings with the leadership of NASA Workers where we informed them that they do not meet the requirements of section 21(2)(b) of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) as they are not sufficiently representative. NASA Workers then referred a dispute pertaining to organisational rights to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

The CCMA has conciliated a dispute between the CSIR and the NASA Workers on the issue of organisational rights which remained unresolved, despite the CCMA Commissioner concurring with the CSIR’s position, and as a result, NASA Workers opted to embark on a strike.

It is important to note that this strike action is not related to the Support Services reorganisation process that is currently taking place. According to section 189A(7) of the LRA, no party may go on strike or lock-out until the end of the 60-day period of consultation, which only commenced on 26 November 2019.

Strikes are accepted in South Africa as an integral part of collective bargaining as stipulated in the LRA. In this regard, the CSIR and NASA Workers, with the assistance of the CCMA, have agreed on picketing rules to ensure a peaceful and lawful demonstration.

The CSIR recognises and respects the rights of any employee who wishes to participate in the strike, but a no-work-no-pay principle will be applied. Furthermore, we wish to emphasise that the rights of employees who do not want to form part of this strike will also be respected and protected.

Issued by:

Tendani Tsedu, CSIR Group Manager: Strategic Communication

Tel: 012 841 3417
Mobile: 082 945 1980
Email: mtsedu@csir.co.za

About the CSIR:

The CSIR is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more info visit www.csir.co.za

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