Trade unions embark on nationwide protest over ‘worsening economy’
The Congress of South African Trade Unions will on Friday lead marches across the country to protest against what it has described as the worsening economic crisis in South Africa.
From the morning, marches will take place in various provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal.
The trade union federation issued a notice of its intention to strike at the National Economic Development and Labour Council this week.
It wants government to address a string of issues, including the rising cost of living, driven by the steep hike in fuel prices.
Cosatu's KZN's Edwin Mkhize says members from various unions, including Nehawu and Saccawu, will take part in the marches.
"We want our union in their own sectors to take up issues are affecting workers and take them to the door step of the employers.
"Part of those issues, I think the issue of the austerity measures that is being implemented by our government affecting our workers in the public sector."
He says the issue of wage agreements with government will also be on the agenda.
"Also still bringing the issue of the respect of collective bargaining, that is why most of our unions are going to use this day to also take forward the demand of the wage negotiation in their sectors. This is why we have decentralised in various sectors."
