‘The whole or any part of the population’: The definition of an essential service

On 16 April 2025, the Labour Court handed down judgment in Public Investment Corporation v More. The judgment concerned the application of the Prescription Act to disciplinary proceedings, and whether misconduct disciplinary charges prescribe.

On 13 February 2025, the Labour Appeal Court handed down judgment in Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment v The Sheriff, Pretoria North-East. The judgment concerned whether a security bond furnished by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment complied with section 145(7) of the Labour Relations Act. Section 145(7) permits a review applicant to furnish security to suspend the operation of an arbitration award pending the outcome of the application.

On 26 February 2025, the Essential Services Committee designated certain port services as essential in terms of section 71 of the Labour Relations Act. The application was instituted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd. CTH acted on behalf of the TNPA and TPT.

While employees are entitled to postponements in a disciplinary hearing if they demonstrate good cause, there is a limit to how long an employee-driven delay can be justified. A recent decision of the Labour Court has raised the question of whether an employer may implement suspension without pay in the face of dilatory tactics occasioned by the employee.