Cosatu nationwide strike: Scores expected to protest today

Scores of Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) members are set to take to the streets today in a nationwide strike against the crippling economic crisis in the country, characterised by joblessness, poverty and inequality.

The protest, dubbed ‘Global Day for Decent Work,’ is expected to start this morning and last throughout the day, with marches and pickets planned across the country.

Cosatu said it has notified the National Economic Development and Labour Council of its intention to embark on a nationwide strike.

In Pietermaritzburg, the protest is planned to start near the Makro store on Brayford Road in Camps Drift.

Cosatu said about 11.3 million people in South Africa need jobs, yet workers are retrenched day in and day out through the narrow application of Section 189.

“We see this strike as crucial because it addresses bread and butter issues for the workers,” said Cosatu in a statement.

Here are some of Cosatu’s key demands:

• Stop retrenchments: End job losses and privatisation
• Economic growth: Address weak economic growth and rising costs of living
• Labour rights: Protect collective bargaining in all sectors
• Crime and corruption: Prevention and eradication
• Interest rates: Reduction of high interest rates
• Job creation: Address high unemployment and create ‘decent jobs’
• Zondo Commission: Speedy implementation of recommendations
• Austerity measures: Stop the misplaced pursuit of austerity measures
• Labour Law reform: Agreement with Cosatu’s demands

Protest hotspots include:

• Pietermaritzburg: Protest at Makro retail store, time unclear
• Amazimtoti: Makro retail store, time unclear
• Cape Town: March from Hanover Street to National Parliament (08:00)
• Durban: March from Nkosi Dinuzulu Park to City Hall (09:30)
• East London: March from North End Stadium to Department of Labour (21:00)
• Johannesburg: March from Sandton Park to Treasury and South African Reserve Bank (08:00)
• Other locations: Kimberley, Komatipoort, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Sasolburg

Transport disruptions expected:

Motorists are warned of possible transport disruptions near protest sites.