Cape Town – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) led a nationwide strike on World Day for Decent Work, protesting that rising inflation is outpacing worker salaries.
COSATU warned that the high cost of living, including water and electricity hikes, is undoing gains made through wage negotiations.
Workers in the Western Cape are joining the picket line. #NationalDayofAction pic.twitter.com/tmzUcuBoPi
— FEDUSA (@FEDUSAMedia) October 7, 2024
The union called on the government to address the crisis and prevent retrenchments.
“We need them to stop retrenchments, we need them to cushion workers in terms of the high rate of local municipality utilities for example the electricity and water hikes and the services they [workers]are paying are huge.
[WATCH] HAPPENING NOW: The #COSATU march is now officially underway.
Hundreds are making their way to the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) to deliver a memorandum of demands. #KayaNews KS pic.twitter.com/lTg7QGdb4R
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 7, 2024
Even some of the employers are trying to cushion workers but all this interest rate is taking back what those employers have put into the pockets of workers,” EWN quoted COSATU Gauteng Chairperson Amos Monyela as saying.
NATJOINTS readies for Cosatu’s nationwide strike
Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced that its National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) will not tolerate lawlessness or disruptions during the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) National Day of Action protest on Monday.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that all law enforcement agencies, including traffic officials, have been mobilised to ensure the safety of participants.
#sapsHQ #NatJOINTS to police COSATU nationwide strike. The NATJOINTS urges workers to gather and demonstrate peacefully within the confines of the law. Any lawlessness, blocking of roads and any disruptions will not be tolerated. #PoliceVisibility MEhttps://t.co/rZzpLlwQMu pic.twitter.com/ItbnuBINGU
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 7, 2024
“The structure which is responsible for the policing of major events and large gatherings has mobilised all its resources working closely with all law enforcement agencies including traffic officials to ensure the safety of workers who will be taking part in this strike.
“The NATJOINTS urges workers to gather and demonstrate peacefully within the confines of the law,” Mathe said in a statement.
Cosatu is urging workers to join the protest against the “crippling economic crisis” characterized by joblessness, poverty, and inequality.
The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) is also participating, highlighting issues like below-minimum wage payments and job insecurity in the retail, hospitality, and food processing sectors.
Participants are encouraged to demonstrate peacefully and legally.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
