Gauteng strike on 23 July 2008 22-07-08

 

 

COSATU GAUTENG PROVINCIAL PRESS STATEMENT, 21 JULY 2008

CALL FOR ALLIANCE COSATU-LED INDUSTRIAL ACTION ON 23 JULY 2008 IN JOHANNESBURG CITY CENTRE

“DEFEND DEMOCRATIC GAINS - FIGHT UNEMPLOYEMENT – CRUSH POVERTY and INEQUALITIES; and CREATE DECENT WORK, STOP ESCALATING PRICES NOW”

The COSATU Gauteng Province calls on all members of civil society to join the Alliance/COSATU-led march in the city centre of Johannesburg – Library Gardens on 23 July 2008. The Gauteng Alliance Summit that met on 18-20 July has endorsed this march.

This march is in line with COSATU’s Notice under section 77 (1) (b) of the Labour Relations Act, dated March 13 2008. It is called in response to the danger of retrenchments in the mining sector and elsewhere (e.g. Bayside aluminium smelter in Richards Bay) due to Eskom’s decision to reduce electricity supply to industry and its threat to oppose any new major construction initiatives.

Poverty and unemployment has continued to be a monster in our country, families go hungry every day. COSATU has noted that this affect all communities in all walks of life. This action is part of realising the COSATU slogan - ‘An injury to one is an injury to all’. We walked, marched and fought hand in hand, side by side to against apartheid and pave the way to the current political dispensation of a free South Africa. We will continue to join hands until our grievances are addressed by government and business.

COSATU is further concerned that Eskom’s 27, 5% tariff increase which municipalities can increase still further, will put thousands more jobs at risk, as companies, already facing massive increases in the cost of fuel and interest rates, try to balance their books by retrenching workers, or maybe forced to close down.

This country cannot afford any further job losses. Poverty and unemployment are already way too high and an increase in this will destabilise the country further.

The strike is protected. Workers cannot legally be victimised or punished, for taking part.

COSATU is not a violent organisation. As such it does not condone any violent actions by its strikers. Marchers are requested to march peacefully as they always do when they support a COSATU action.

Further to this provincial action, there will be a national strike on August 6.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng Province:

Provincial Secretary Sphiwe Mgcina 082 465 8336,

Provincial Chairperson Mosanku Tseki 082 498 5840