Cosatu condemns arrest of SAMWU leaders 06-03-08

 

March 7, 2008

TO : ALL MEDIA INSTITUTIONS

ATT : NEWS EDITORS / JOURNALISTS

Dear Sir / Madam

RE : COSATU EASTERN CAPE PRESS RELEASE

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Eastern Cape wishes to express its disappointment in the manner in which the legitimate dispute between SAMWU and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality is being handled by the municipality.

We condemn in strongest possible terms, the unlawful arrest of SAMWU leadership in Port Elizabeth yesterday, on fictitious charges. We have always maintained a view that the harassment and dismissal of trade unionists by the municipality is politically motivated, and is intended to weaken the SAMWU in the municipality.

It has become clear to us that no amount of politicking will change the reactionary tendencies arrogantly displayed by the Nelson Mandela Metro municipality, in particular, the militarisation of industrial relations.

We therefore call upon all our unions to actively engage in practical acts of solidarity by engaging in lunch hour demonstrations in the Nelson Mandela Metro in support of the legitimate demands of the union.

"An injury to one is an injury to all"

For further clarity do not hesitate to contact the writer.

XOLA PAKATI, COSATU Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary, on 082 752 6504