Mohale FM TEXTILE factory, Quantum Apparels, in Maputsoe has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 223 employees following an alleged unlawful strike that took place at the factory on 25 June last year.
The move comes after the Labour Court dismissed an application by the workers, in which they had sought an order allowing them to return to work after being sent home on 26 June 2025.
In their application, the workers argued that management had informed them they were being sent home because machines had broken down following a fi re during the strike. However, they claimed that some employees were later secretly recalled to work, a development they said amounted to unfair treatment.
The case was dismissed after Quantum Apparels’ Human Resources manager, ’Matšepi so Mokone, testified that the 223 workers had not been dismissed but were laid off while the company awaited the arrival of replacement machines ordered from China. She told the court that not all machines were damaged on 25 June 2025, which explained why some employees had continued working.
The workers were therefore shocked when their trade union, UNITE, received a letter from Ms Mokone dated 6 February 2026, summoning the 223 employees to disciplinary hearings.
In court, Ms Mokone said the company laid off the 223 workers to allow for inspections of the workplace following a fi re that broke out near the boiler. She explained that part of the boiler’s motor had been removed and needed replacement.
She further testified that some employees had not been recalled because there were insufficient machines for them to operate.
Some of the affected workers who spoke to this publication said they intend to take the matter further by appealing to the Labour Appeal Court.
