- The Labour Court confirmed that all 1 102 employees have the right to join the strike that began on 29 October.
- Astral Operations, which trades as Festive, cannot discipline or dismiss workers for taking part in the strike.
- Workers may keep demonstrating outside company premises, as long as they stay at least 10 metres away and follow rules against intimidation and obstruction.
The Labour Court in Johannesburg has protected 1 102 Festive chicken workers from being disciplined or dismissed for joining a legal strike, amid a growing dispute with their employer.
This decision came after workers said management threatened to fire them and tried to stop them from exercising their right to strike. The company also went to court, arguing that the protests outside its premises were disrupting business.
Workers protected against dismissal
Led by Portia Masoloki, the workers urgently approached the Labour Court to take action against Astral Operations Limited, which trades as Festive. On Friday, 30 October 2026, the court ruled that all of the company’s employees could take part in the protected strike, which started on 29 October. The court also ordered the company not to discipline or dismiss employees for joining the strike.
Lawyers for Human Rights helped the workers bring the case, arguing that the company was interfering with their right to join the industrial action.
Court sets conditions for demonstrations
The company also filed a counter-application, claiming workers were blocking trucks and stopping other employees from entering the premises. The workers denied these claims. Both sides reached an interim agreement letting demonstrations continue, as long as workers stayed at least 10 metres from the company’s premises.
The agreement says workers cannot intimidate or threaten non-striking employees, suppliers, customers or members of the public. They are also not allowed to block people and vehicles coming in or out of the premises, or interfere unlawfully with company operations.
The workers also agreed not to force or threaten anyone to join the strike. Fidelity Security, the company’s security provider, is allowed to attend gatherings to help keep order. This agreement applies to several company sites, including operations in Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Muldersdrift, Kempton Park, Weltevreden, Hekpoort and Delmas.
Workers allege police violence and misleading messages
The workers accused Festive management of misrepresenting the court order by sending WhatsApp messages that claimed employees had been told to return to work right away.
In a statement, workers said these messages were misleading because the court had confirmed their right to take part in the protected strike and had stopped the company from firing or disciplining them for doing so.
They also accused police of firing rubber bullets at close range during confrontations outside the premises on Thursday. Some workers and activists were reportedly injured, including people hurt in the head and throat.
The workers said they are considering legal action against the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the alleged police violence. They also plan to keep a record of any alleged unlawful conduct by management for possible use in future court cases.
Main application postponed
The Labour Court postponed both the main application and the company’s counter-application to Friday, 6 November 2026. This gives both sides more time to file further papers.
The court reserved the costs of the workers’ application. The workers have confirmed that the strike will continue.
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