Following the declaration of the 7th of October as International Day of Decent Work by the United Nations, the Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU), will utilise this day to highlight the plight of workers and accentuate issues that have an adverse effect on the decent work agenda in a form of marches. Additionally, it will hand over memorandums of demands. As part of the mandate, COSATU in the Eastern Cape will hold seven(7) marches across the province.
These marches are part of the protected action in line with Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act. This means that every worker who participates in the action is protected, and no employer can subject workers who did not report for duty, to disciplinary action. Even workers who are not members of any union are eligible to participate in the respective marches without fear of being disciplined or victimised.
The planned action by COSATU is aimed at restoring the dignity of workers, defending workers’ rights, which are also human rights. The COSATU action takes place at a time when the rights of workers are under attack and are being reversed in all sectors of the economy. This calls for workers to unite and fight side by side for what belongs to them.
It is through the active participation of workers in the struggles to defend the hard-won victories that a strong message will be sent to the employers and government, that our patience is not limitless and therefore, we should not be taken for granted.
The marches in the province are lined up as follows.
DISTRICT HOSTING LOCAL ASSEMBLY POINT DESTINATIONS
1. Alfred Nzo Mount Ayliff EmaXesibeni Stadium Department of
Employment & Labour
2. Amathole Butterworth Caley Grounds in Coloured Department of
Employment & Labour
3. Buffalo City Metro East London North -End Stadium Department of Employment & Labour
4. Chris Hani Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre, Komani Department of
Employment & Labour
5. Joe Gqabi Aliwal North Walter Sisulu University Department of
Employment & Labour
6. Nelson Mandela Metro Vuyisile MiniShow Grounds in North -End, Gqeberha Department of
Employment & Labour7. O.R. Tambo Lusikisiki St. Elizabeth Hospital (Open Site) Department of
Employment &
Labour
We are calling upon all workers and community members to join their nearest marches on the list. We also call upon workers to unite as a formidable and a conquering force in a struggle for decent work as part of restoring their dignity. We strongly believe that a working class united shall never be defeated.
Forward with the unity of workers for their rights, forward!
Issued by COSATU Eastern Cape
Contact:
Mkhawuleli Maleki
COSATU Provincial Secretary
Mobile: 082 339 5482
Email: mkhawuleli@cosatu.org.za