COSATU threatens strike action over 100% loading capacity
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is threatening to call a national strike if the government doesn't reverse its decision to allow taxis to carry full loads.
The regulation was amended this week, following an announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.
READ: Transport industry permitted to carry full capacity for local trips
He said the 100% capacity would only be allowed for minibus taxi operating short distances.
It came after taxi associations rejected a COVID-19 relief package offer of R1.1 billion – saying it wasn't enough. They demanded that they be allowed to operate a full capacity in order to make ends meet.
COSATU's national spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla says this is a deadly decision as workers are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. He says they're consulting their legal team.
"We fee this is an act of cowardice on the said of government, it's pure capitulation if the face of threats by taxi associations. We don't think this economy can afford protest action or a strike, but also we cannot comprise the safety of our members, it's non-negotiable.
"If push comes to shove we will be left with no option but to install the possibility of a strike," says Pamla.
