An interim order has stopped workers from illegally striking at the eThekwini Municipality’s water and sanitation unit in Pinetown.

Workers brought the water and sanitation unit to a standstill when they went on strike last week, blockading the entrance and preventing non-striking employees from working. They also damaged municipal vehicles and property, IOL News reported.

This is reportedly the fourth unlawful work stoppage in the past two months. The 35 striking workers allegedly failed to follow grievance procedure about their complaints which they said led to the strike.

Advocate Vishalin Naidoo, on behalf of eThekwini Municipality, argued before Durban Labour Court Judge David Gush that the water and sanitation unit was an essential service, making it illegal for workers to strike.