Cosatu to fight exploitation of workers
"The Vryheid local Cosatu want to make it known that we are prepared to fight with all we have to protect the workers from exploitation of any kind during and after the pandemic".
Lolo Madonsela
Cosatu in Vryheid has issued a stern warning that it will fight exploitation of workers during this lockdown period.
Local Cosatu secretary Jimmy Zwane said, “The Vryheid local Cosatu want to make it known that we are prepared to fight with all we have to protect the workers from exploitation of any kind during and after the pandemic. As we commemorate Freedom Day, we reiterate that freedom from exploitation of workers by employers is one of the fundamental pillars of our democracy.”
Zwane said they were informed by their affiliates that there were some employers who were not complying with the regulations of the lockdown, and that workers were exposed to the coronavirus.
He also said that, “We have been alerted that some stores have increased prices of goods. It is of importance to let those criminals know that we are against this disgusting practice and we will leave no stone unturned in rooting it out. We will be engaging the relevant departments to provide leads in order to enforce the applicable laws and regulations.”
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Zwane further said they demand all employers operating during the lockdown period to provide adequate personal protection equipment to their employees and also ensure that employees have access to their Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
“Employers are once again reminded that it is their duty to apply for relief which has been provided through the UIF, South African Revenue Service and other governmental agencies. This nonsense of withholding employees’ benefits must stop immediately.
“As we approach the easing of the regulations, we call on those sectors that will re-open as of May 1 to assist government, employees and the community at large by complying with the regulations. We call on our affiliate members to lead by example and respect the regulations by staying indoors, maintaining social distance and high levels of hygiene,” he added.
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