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BusinessTech reports that trade union federation Cosatu is mobilising for a national strike on Monday, 7 October, when it aims to march against high levels of unemployment in the country, “rampant retrenchment” in the public and private sectors, the rising cost of living, and crime.
The federation will also be presenting a list of demands, including that the government drop ‘privatisation’ strategies and stop budget cuts, which it calls “austerity measures”. Cosatu plans to strike nationally and hand over a memorandum of demands to the Department of Employment and Labour. But, organised business hit back at the federation’s planned action, calling it misguided. Business Unity SA (Busa) expressed concern over the strike, saying that it did not believe the shutdown would address any of the challenges raised by Cosatu. Busa CEO Cas Coovadia said: “We respect the right to strike or protest, within the dictates of the law, but believe the issues raised by Cosatu are structural in nature and can be addressed through the various bilateral and multilateral processes, engagements, and partnerships underway.” Noting that the economy was under severe strain, Coovadia went on to comment: “These actions also hinder our collective efforts to grow the economy at a rate that can address unemployment, inequality, and poverty. We need to prioritise stability and collaboration to foster long term economic growth, rather than resorting to measures that negatively impact both business and citizens.”
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page