This is an application for the review of an arbitral award which was made on 21 September 2012 in favour of the Respondents (“employees”) against the Applicant (“employer”). Within this review case arose the issue of condonation of the late filing of the heads of argument by the Applicant and also the attendant request to have the bar in that respect lifted. This judgment, therefore, address the two components referred to above. More
This is an application for condonation for late filing of an appeal. The facts in this case are largely common cause. The applicants filed an appeal with this court against the decisions of first and second respondents finding the lecturers guilty of misconduct and imposing various penalties. The facts also show that before the appeal could be heard, the respondents raised a point in limine, alleging that the respondents were incorrectly cited. This court, as per KUDYA J, upheld the point in limine and proceeded to strike the appeal off the roll. The applicants wish to pursue the appeal, hence... More
Applicants are in the employ of the 1st respondent as managerial executives. In 2015, the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development issued a directive to local councils through the permanent secretary. The directive had the effect of reducing the remuneration of Town Clerks in the respective local authorities. The directive also meant that such reduction in salaries was to affect the lower managerial grades. 1st respondent implemented this directive, applicants were affected by it. Applicants were aggrieved by this decision and referred their matter to a Labour Officer. A hearing was held in January 2017 and 2nd respondent... More
The law that governs appeals to this Court against arbitral awards is very clear.
Section 98(10) of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] provides,
“An appeal on a question of law shall lie to the Labour Court from any decision of an arbitrator appointed in terms of this section.”
This is an appeal against an arbitral award filed in this Court by the Appellants. Does the appeal in its grounds comply with the above provision? Respondent’s answer to this question is that, it does not, hence it has raised a point in limine to that effect. More
The brief factual background is that the applicant was employed by the respondent as Financial Accountant. He was dismissed for misconduct after disciplinary proceedings held in terms of the Labour (National Employment Code of Conduct) Regulations Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006. (National Code).
The matter went for arbitration, following procedures provided for in the National Code. The arbitrator, in his award dated 10 December 2013, upheld the verdict of guilty, but set aside the penalty of dismissal. The arbitrator ordered the reinstatement of the applicant, without pay and benefits for the period he was on suspension. It appears the penalty... More