SAFTU dissatisfied with proposed labour law amendments

Workers affiliated to the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) have expressed their dissatisfaction with proposed labour law amendments. The proposed labour law amendments include changes to the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Minimum Wage Act.

SAFTU held a Workers’ Day rally at Beyers Naude Square in Johannesburg under the banner, “Uniting to Oppose VAT Increases and Anti-Worker Law Amendments.”

The union has rejected government’s austerity measures and called for progressive tax reforms that shift the burden from the poor to the wealthy. SAFTU says workers are under siege amid proposed amendments to labour laws.

The union marched to the Labour Department in Johannesburg. Workers gathered at the Beyers Naude Square in the inner city and slammed attempts to erode the gains made since the dawn of democracy.

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi painted a picture of a dire situation facing workers, saying they have been left to fend for themselves.

“So, we claim to resist those labour members with everything we are celebrating when the unemployment rate in our country is now sitting at 42%, with 40% of women unemployed. 52% of our population living below the poverty level or below the upper poverty level of 1,500, with 23% of our population living below the black.”

The union held a separate rally from ANC-aligned labour federation the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) after they could not find each other on the proposed labour law amendments.

Government says the amendments will limit compensation for certain dismissals and provide greater protection for temporary employees.

Video: Workers’ Day | SAFTU holds Workers’ Day rallies across SA