The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in KwaZulu-Natal notes the taxi strike that took place on Thursday in Durban and surrounding areas, as the taxi industry took to the streets, fighting for their rights.

This industrial action had a severe impact on thousands of workers who were unable to report for duty. We must emphasise that this was not the fault of workers, as the majority of poor and struggling workers in our province rely on the taxi industry as their primary mode of transport.

COSATU KZN therefore calls upon employers to exercise understanding and not subject workers to disciplinary action or punitive measures for circumstances beyond their control. Workers should not be punished for a national challenge that speaks to broader socio-economic issues.

As COSATU KZN, we reaffirm our commitment to rebuilding and strengthening our relationship with the taxi industry, recognising it as an important stakeholder in the transport sector and in the daily lives of workers.

We further call upon our affiliated unions to be proactive in defending and assisting workers who may face victimisation or prejudice as a result of their absence during the strike.

The unity of workers and their allies across sectors is key to overcoming these challenges.

Issued by COSATU KwaZulu Natal

Edwin Mkhize (Provincial Secretary)

Mobile: 082 399 7756 / 076 522 8839 

Email: edwin@cosatu.org.za