Cosatu condemns killings of union member in Ratanda 21-05-08

 

COSATU condemns killing of union member in Ratanda

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is outraged at the killing of a member of the SA Municipal Workers Union in the Lesedi Local Municipality. The federation sends its condolences to his family and comrades on their tragic loss.

COSATU strongly condemns the municipality's use of the 'Red Ants', as strike-breakers, in a municipality where 500 SAMWU have been on strike for 11 weeks, demanding wage increases of between 10% and 12%.

As the union says, "The Lesedi Local Municipality had no business bringing in Red Ants into the township areas, under the pretence that these heavily armed, thuggish and dangerous Red Ants were there to clean up. The reputation of the violent Red Ants is well known and SAMWU will be holding the municipality responsible".

The union's view of this organisation has been graphically, and tragically, borne out by its violent reaction to union members and local residents who confronted them in Ratanda. They opened fire first with rubber bullets and then live rounds, killing the SAMWU member and a local teenager. A six-year-old boy was shot and injured.

COSATU demand a full investigation into the deaths and the conduct of both the Red Ants and the municipality, and demands that the strongest possible action be taken against those responsible for the shootings. Never again must this paramilitary organisation by deployed during industrial disputes.

Meanwhile the municipality must return to the negotiating table and resolve the dispute by peaceful means.

Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)

Congress of South African Trade Unions

1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets

Braamfontein, 2017

P.O. Box 1019

Johannesburg, 2000

SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24

Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667

Cell: 0828217456

E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za