The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has vehemently rejected the government’s proposed amendments to the country’s labour laws, citing them as an attack on the working class. At a media briefing in Johannesburg, SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi emphasized that these changes serve the interests of the capitalist class, rather than promoting fairness and equality.
These proposals attempt to give effect to what has long been suggested to remedy the low-growth South African economy that the South African labour regime needs to be reformed. The proposed amendments are not politically or ideologically neutral but serve the interests of the capitalist class.
The proposed amendments aim to reform labour laws related to retrenchments, minimum wage, and dismissals. However, SAFTU argues that these changes would undermine workers’ rights, particularly their right to strike. The federation claims that the amendments would limit the use of strikes as a negotiating tactic, effectively silencing workers’ voices.
SAFTU’s Key Concerns:
- Limiting Strike Actions: SAFTU believes that the proposed changes to Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act would restrict unions’ ability to call socio-economic protest strikes.
- Time Limits: The amendments would introduce a 12-month time limit for protest strike certificates, forcing unions to reapply or submit new applications if demands are not met.
- Undermining Worker Power: SAFTU views these changes as an attempt to erode working-class power and advance capitalist interests.
Organized business, on the other hand, argues that the amendments would improve efficiency in the workplace. However, SAFTU remains resolute in its opposition, having been part of a National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) task team discussing these amendments for two years.
