The federation, amongst others, demands an end to threats of retrenchment in both the public and private sectors, unfair wages, and inequality at workplaces. The union says the impending nationwide strike is legally protected and urges all workers and their family members to come out in great numbers. The federation is amongst the labour unions that have slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plan to split Eskom into three state-owned entities as part of the new business model to rescue it from its financial crisis.

The federation and its alliances have stated that this move would threaten jobs and lead to more job cuts. The federation’s president, Zingiswa Losi, has stated that many workers continue to bear the brunt of the decision made by their employers and warns that government should consult them in good faith on decisions that potentially affect the livelihood of workers.

Meanwhile, the union’s representative in the Northern Cape, Orapeleng Moraladi, told OFM News preparations for the march set to kick off at Kemo Hotel in Kimberley are running smoothly and will hand over a memorandum of demands to the CCMA, the provincial department of labour, and the premier’s office amongst other government departments.

Moraladi says the purpose of the march includes ensuring that the government fill vacant positions, enable inclusive economic growth, as well as highlight the plight of poor and marginalised workers.

He adds that the health and safety of mineworkers and other workers in the province is another factor that needs to be attended to.

OFM News