Cosatu strike could derail economic recovery, says Durban Chamber

THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC has said it is deeply concerned about the effect that the planned Cosatu National Industrial Strike/ Stay Away will have on South African businesses and entrepreneurs both in the formal and informal sectors. 

SADTU supports the one-day strike called by the union Federation COSATU on Wednesday, 7 October 2020 in defence of, among others, collective bargaining, against corruption, rising unemployment and gender based violence @_cosatu @SA_Labour_News @IOL @Dispatch_DD @POWER987News pic.twitter.com/NAkFJkFsQl

— SADTU National. (@SadtuNational) October 5, 2020

President of the Durban Chamber, Nigel Ward, said: “We are concerned that the planned strike by Cosatu on 7 October could be detrimental to the country and further damage any hope of economic recovery, let alone growth.”

“Given our ailing economy, in which businesses are battling to survive, every trading and manufacturing day counts.”

He said businesses in the eThekwini Municipality, regardless of size, are facing difficult challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, while still endeavouring to sustain operations and deliver on their business obligations, not least of which is the imperative to return to profitability in order to save jobs.

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“As the Durban Chamber, we support all employees’ right to express their grievances. However, we fear that the planned protest action coming at this specific juncture will only place added pressure on the economy. Retail data already indicates depressed consumer spending which is difficult to revive in an environment of uncertainty,” added Ward.

#SACTWU calls on all its members to support tomorrow's @_cosatu general strike. @eNCA @BDliveSA @SABreakingNews @CapeTimesSA @pretorianews @DailyNewsSA pic.twitter.com/DVkmuRhPCM

— SACTWU (@SACTWU) October 6, 2020

He said as business, the Chamber notes the following to be observed: 

• The principle of no-work-no-pay will apply
• No disciplinary action may be taken should a person not arrive at work
• Should a person be absent and claim to be sick, medical proof must be provided
• While the stay-away is protected, any misconduct such as intimidation or damage to property should be treated as serious and disciplinary action may be taken

“The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages all parties to strive to reach consensus to minimise disruption to economic activity,” he said.  

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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