Legal Aid South Africa has suspended remote working arrangements, cancelled leave and ordered non-striking employees back to offices as it prepares for potential disruption from industrial action by members of the South African Legal Workers Union (SALAWU).
Documents in IOL’s possession show the organisation has activated a wide-ranging contingency plan that includes additional attendance monitoring, the suspension of flexible work arrangements and the revocation of some previously approved leave.
The measures come as SALAWU has said there will be protected strike action, which will take place on 17 and 18 June. The strike follows months of failed attempts to resolve disputes through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
While the union has publicly described the action as a two-day strike, an internal contingency circular signed by chief executive officer Mantiti Kola states that industrial action will commence on 17 June and “will proceed indefinitely”.
Legal Aid South Africa provides legal representation and legal services to people who cannot afford private legal assistance, including in criminal, civil and land matters.
