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The Congress of South African Trade Unions fully support the South African Federation of Trade Unions in its planned national strike, tomorrow, in response to the economic crisis engulfing the country. The latest job figures are a scathing indictment on policy makers and the decision-makers, especially the National Treasury.

 COVID 19 has exposed the shortcomings of Neoliberalism. It is important for workers to unite and work together to demand an alternative macroeconomic framework that is geared towards addressing the basic needs of the people. Workers demand economic transformation, the strengthening of the public service, and renewed efforts to build a capable developmental state that will address the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities in our society.

The austerity measures adopted by the government are also weakening key labour institutions such as the CCMA. The CCMA is struggling to deliver on its legislated mandate at a time when workers are facing an onslaught from employers.

COSATU National Office Bearers would have loved to join the strike side-by-side with SAFTU, but the strike coincided with federation’s three-day Central Executive Committee meeting. We call on all the workers and the people of South Africa to support the SAFTU strike for a dignified life, and decent jobs for all working people.

Issued by COSATU