Crouse back as Labour Registrar

Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant. File picture: Leon Nicholas

Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant. File picture: Leon Nicholas

Published Oct 5, 2015

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Johannesburg - The Labour Court in Johannesburg has ordered that former Labour Registrar Johan Crouse be immediately reinstated following months of legal disputes with the Department of Labour.

The department's minister, Mildred Oliphant, removed Crouse from the position in July and replaced him with Malixole Ntleki the following month, who despite the ongoing legal action served in the position on a permanent capacity.

It is alleged Crouse was re-deployed after he allegedly disobeyed an order to stop legal proceedings intended at putting Chemical Energy Paper, Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu) under administration.

News of Crouse’s court victory was welcomed by labour federation, Fedusa, which had joined proceedings as a friend of the court.

The federation’s general secretary, Dennis George, said the ruling had upheld provisions of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).

“Judge Myburgh summarised [in] his findings that the impugned decision constitutes the exercise of public power and is subject to legal review. The honourable judge argued the Minister of Labour ignored materially relevant facts and consequently, the impugned decision was unreasonable, irrational and procedurally unfair,” said George.

He also stressed the LRA made provision for a procedure that would ensure “proper democratic practices and financial controls are in place” to prevent corruption and maladministrations in trade unions and employer organisations.

LABOUR BUREAU

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