30 January 2026
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) fully supports its affiliate, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), as it lodges its court action against Motus Group following the unilateral change to the terms and conditions of employment of 273 MISA members affected by a Section 189 restructuring process in terms of the Labour Relations Act.
MISA has filed an application in the Labour Court in Johannesburg seeking a second interdict to protect its members from further injustice and distress. The application calls on Motus Group to halt the retrenchment process, prevent further acts of retaliation, and ensure full compliance with theconsultation requirements under Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act.
Section 189 requires employers to engage in a meaningful consultation process with affected employees. Employees must be afforded reasonable time to consider retrenchment notices and should be given an opportunity to submit written representations or alternative proposals.
In this instance, these processes were not adhered to, resulting in significant distress and uncertainty for affected members.
MISA has reported that Motus Group retaliated against MISA’s interdict application by informing employees that it would consult with them directly. Employees were instructed to submit proposals to avoid retrenchment by 20:00 on 29 January 2026.
Furthermore, certain employees were given until 13:00 on 30 January 2026, while others were given until 12:00 on 2 February 2026, to accept an “offer of alternative employment”, failing which they would be retrenched without severance pay.
FEDUSA calls on Motus Group to respect the law, comply fully with the Section 189 consultation process, and refrain from undermining collective bargaining and workers’ rights.
END.