Could employers use the law to stop unions from taking strike action even when it is lawful to strike under the processes set out in the labour relations statute?

Yes. Unions could end up being responsible for huge financial damages if an employer successfully sued them for damages arising out of industrial action. Therefore, even the threat of legal action might be sufficient to make a union think twice; although, many unions have taken such cases on in support of their members’ rights.

Nevertheless, employers had another legal mechanism that could be used to stop the industrial action before it even started — the injunction.

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If you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.