This is according to the spokesperson of the Congress of the South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Free State, Monyatso oa Mahlatsi.

In the past, labour legislation in the country received public criticism and scrutiny from various agencies, including the World Economic Forum's Competitive Index which has in the past criticised the country's conditions for employment as being too restrictive. Mahlatsi was speaking in Welkom, in the Free State, as part of a nationwide march organised by Cosatu against, amongst others, unemployment in the country.

"That (mass retrenchments) also proves that the labour laws of the country are rigid because if it was not true, employers would not be able to make so many retrenchments, even in the public sector. There's also the issue of 'casualisation' and labour brokers, where my people report for work today, only to be called again a week later and that's why (the economy is on the decline), because we don't have people in formal employment," Mahlatsi said, explaining the other issues in the job market at the moment.

One protestor, who would identify herself only as Mmutsi, confirmed to OFM News that Mahlatsi's statements are true, as she said she works for a private security company which was subcontracted by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom and said she is a casual worker for the company. "I'm here because I also agree that companies are taking us for granted as I often go for months at a time without getting a salary. I am also employed on a casual basis and I am here because I agree that companies should either make their employees permanent workers or, at the very least, place them on contract - not this thing of being called one week, then again a few weeks later," she said.

The march held in the mining city forms part of Cosatu national's countrywide one-day protest action against the high unemployment rate. The mass meeting follows after President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced at his State of the Nation Address that the ailing power utility, Eskom, will now be split into three entities.

OFM News