South AfricaCosatu Protests Over Jobs, Wages
Nationwide strikes to mark International Day for Decent Work, amid concerns over retrenchments and non-compliance with minimum wage. Workers are facing unfair dismissals, low wages, and rising costs of living.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is staging nationwide protests to mark International Day for Decent Work. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela said workers are under siege from rampant retrenchments and non-compliance with the national minimum wage.
Sabela said the national minimum wage has increased by 100% for domestic workers, 66% for farm workers, and 50% for other workers since its introduction in 2019. However, an estimated 40% of workers are still paid less than the minimum wage.
Cosatu is calling for stronger enforcement of the minimum wage and other labour rights. The federation also wants the government to expedite the recruitment of 10,000 additional labour inspectors announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Sabela criticised employers for continuing to retrench workers despite high unemployment rates. She cited Sun International, which plans to cut jobs across several casinos, as an example. Cosatu and its affiliate, the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union, will march to Sun City and GrandWest casino to protest the planned retrenchments.
The marches will also deliver memorandums to Massmart, demanding action over the dismissal of hundreds of workers at Makro. Cosatu said there are mass retrenchments despite the high unemployment rate of 43.8%.
Cosatu will take to the streets in Johannesburg and Tshwane, among other cities, to highlight the plight of workers. The federation said workers are facing increasing casualisation of jobs, escalating attacks on collective bargaining rights, and a lack of social protection and retirement funds.
The protests come as the economy struggles to absorb global shocks stemming from the US-Iran war, which has disrupted global supply chains. Workers are facing rising electricity, fuel, food, and transport costs.
Key facts
- Cosatu is staging nationwide protests to mark International Day for Decent Work
- An estimated 40% of workers are still paid less than the national minimum wage
- Cosatu is calling for stronger enforcement of labour rights and the recruitment of 10,000 additional labour inspectors
- The unemployment rate in South Africa is 43.8%
Three perspectives
Neutral
The protests highlight the challenges faced by workers in South Africa, including retrenchments, non-compliance with the minimum wage, and rising costs of living. The government and employers will be watching the protests closely. The outcome of the protests may lead to further discussions between Cosatu and the government.
Positive
The protests demonstrate Cosatu's commitment to fighting for workers' rights and decent work. The federation's efforts may lead to improved working conditions and better enforcement of labour laws. The recruitment of additional labour inspectors could help to address non-compliance with the minimum wage.
Negative
The protests may lead to disruptions and instability in the economy. The high unemployment rate and rising costs of living may exacerbate the challenges faced by workers. Employers may resist Cosatu's demands, leading to further conflict.
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