The bus workers' union says what could be the country's biggest strike will start today, despite a court ruling against the industrial action.

The bus workers' union says what could be the country's biggest strike will start today, despite a court ruling against the industrial action.

President of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) Ezrom Mabyana said: "We are carrying on with the strike action. We want to exercise our democratic right to strike."

More than 40000 Satawu members are expected to join the national strike, though the South African Bus Employer's Association (Sabea) yesterday got an interdict against the strike.

Barry Gie, president of Sabea, said the labour court declared the strike illegal.

"I hope the workers will respect the court's decision and act in a responsible manner," he said.

According to Gie the interdict gives workers until April 23 to file papers with the labour court.

- Pumza Fihlani and Sapa