COSATU has mobilized national strike action on Monday, the 07th October 2024.
This action is to get Government and Industry to address a list of demands.
Zanele Sabela, Spokesperson of COSATU said the underlying issue stems from joblessness, poverty, inequality and the economic crisis.
Sabela said basics have gone up, such as bread and oil.
“Where have you heard of prices going up by close to 40%?
Inflation has gone down in August, and the reserve Bank’s cut down of interest rates, has brought some relief to the working class, but if Eskom’s proposed tariff is granted, inflation will go up again.”
The list of demands propelling strike action includes high crime and corruption, high and increasing cost of living, job losses and privatization as well as the high unemployment rate.
COSATU also wants Government and Business, to agree with COSATU labour law reforms, to set up a People’s Budget and the implementation of NHI.
She said there is concern about the high unemployment rate, of about 11,3 million people without jobs.
This figure includes discouraged job seekers, according to the expanded definition.
Sabelo said COSATU is concerned about attacks on collective bargaining, such as a recent example in Tshwane, where a 3 – year agreement was not realised.
The matter is now headed to the courts.
She said people are nervous about crime, which is on the rise, including extortion and murders.
Picture: GA&A