Thread by @SAfmRadio

[ON NOW] Trade unions are planning to embark on a massive national strike tomorrow over wages and corruption in the country. Trade union federation COSATU spokesperson Sizwe Pamla joins us now. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says they are not happy that government is insisting on implementing austerity measures which undermine collective bargaining. #SAfmTalkingPoint @nomsa

Cosatu says the rampant corruption especially during #covid-19 is concerning. Pamla says this is not acceptable and calls on government to act. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says all sectors of the economy will be affected during tomorrow's national strike. Only essential services workers will not participate. #SAfmTalkingPoint
@Nomsa_Md

Other trade union federations which are Saftu, Fedusa, and Nactu will also join the strike. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says it's alliance with the ANC allows it to influence political events in the party and the country. This follows criticism that the federation is not doing enough as an alliance member. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says job cuts in the private sector could have been reduced. He says early intervention could have saved the situation. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says their proposal to allow workers to access their retirement savings to go towards their salaries for six months in order to cushion the impact of #covid-19 was rejected by government. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says the majority of workers who lost their jobs were in the private sector and that in some instances illegal means were used to retrenchment them. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla: "Experience has taught us not to be excited by these arrests". He is referring to recent arrests of those who are accused of looting state coffers. He says Cosatu wants criminals who have looted to be prosecuted and to spend time in jail. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md

Pamla says if those in power are not afraid of the working class they tend to do as they please. He has called on the workers to unite. #SAfmTalkingPoint @Nomsa_Md