Incidents at Durban DoL office 28 - 04 - 06

 

Incidents at Durban DoL office

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is deeply concerned at the report of the damage to property and injuries to staff at the Department of Labour offices in Durban today, allegedly by striking security workers.

COSATU demands that all its members act within the law and pursue their demands in a disciplined manner. We support SATAWU's decision to comply with a court order to stop its members from intimidating, assaulting and harassing non-striking workers and the public in general.

Violent acts, by a small element within the striking workforce have unfortunately discredited the whole trade union movement and diverted attention away from the real issues of the strike. The unfortunate and isolated acts of violence which have occurred in this dispute are in complete contrast to the hundreds of peaceful, disciplined mass demonstrations which COSATU and its affiliates have organised for many years, with absolutely no trouble or violence.

Actions such as those in Durban today only serve to draw attention away from those responsible for the dispute - the security employers who are stubbornly refusing to come to the negotiating table and reach a settlement with the unions. Contrary to a report on SAFM, it is the employers and not the union, who are unwilling to negotiate. This is inevitably causing deep frustration and anger among the workers.

The security guards have without doubt a legitimate case. They are underpaid and ruthlessly exploited every working day. Most earn under R1500 a month, have no benefits, no job security and face danger every day. Their demands are fully justified and COSATU remains 100% behind SATAWU and the workers. We welcome and support the appeal by the Minister of Labour to the parties to the dispute and the CCMA to bring this bitter dispute to a speedy end, through a settlement that improves the lives of these workers.