By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi and Ndumiso Khuzwayo
Traffic was disrupted on Dr Pixley KaSeme (West Street) in Durban today as a national march led by Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) highlighted various aspects including job losses, high cost of living and corruption amongst other things.
Members of unions affiliated to COSATU demanded payment of outstanding UIF and pension fund money, compliance with minimum wage laws, safer worker transport and improved public transport infrastructure as they marched to observe a day that is celebrated globally to highlight workers’ rights.
They also handed a memorandum to the eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli.
Speaking to Credible Source, Deputy President of COSATU, Michael Shingange said they use the day to highlight the plight of both the community and workers.
“That includes the cost of living that is high, the lower wages that workers get and also the working conditions which they are subjected to on a daily basis,” said Shingange.
He added that they did not only submit the memorandum to the eThekwini Mayor and the Premier, but they will also submit it to the Business Community which oversees the private sector who are also often found to be undermining the rights of workers.
They have given the municipality and the office of the premier 7 to 14 days for them to respond.
