The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) is proud to announce a major legal victory in a long-standing labour dispute involving twenty-four of our members employed by Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
The matter, cited as CEPPWAWU obo Moyo Golden and 23 Others, reached a decisive conclusion when the Labour Court of South Africa, through Judge Dyk AJ, delivered judgment on 09 June 2026 in favor of the workers.
The dispute originates from the unfair dismissal of 24 workers on 18 August 2020. Following the dismissal, CEPPWAWU pursued justice through the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). On 17 February 2022, the CCMA issued an arbitration award in case GAJB17634-21, where the Commissioner found that the dismissal of the workers was substantively unfair and ordered the reinstatement of all 24 workers.
However, instead of complying with the lawful award, the employer filed an application for review on 28 March 2022 and set aside the arbitration award. Despite the legal process, the employer continued to refuse compliance.
In the latest judgment, the Labour Court found Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with the arbitration award, which had already been certified in terms of Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 on 16 August 2024.
As a result of this historic victory, the 24 workers will be reinstated retrospectively on 24 June 2026, ending more than five years of unemployment, hardship, and injustice caused by unfair employer conduct.
CEPPWAWU celebrates this important victory and congratulates all 24 members who remained resilient throughout this difficult struggle.
Their determination has proven that workers united through strong organisation can defeat injustice.
This victory once again demonstrates the critical importance of workers belonging to trade unions. Without collective organization, workers are vulnerable to exploitation, victimisation, and unlawful conduct by employers.
CEPPWAWU remains committed to defending workers against unfair labour practices and ensuring that employers respect workers’ rights, dignity, and the laws of South Africa.
We call on all workers across the country to organise, unite, and strengthen worker power because an injury to one is an injury to all.
Issued by CEPPWAWU
For enquiries, please contact:
Glen Tshabalala, HOD Collective Bargaining Councilor
Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union
Mobile: 066 261 9703