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THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 10 2010 08:43 | LAST UPDATED Feb 10 2010 08:43 |
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South African mine workers started striking on Wednesday as part of a mass action over rising power, food and fuel prices that could bring Africa's biggest economy to a standstill, a union official said. "Workers have not shown up for early shifts," said National Union of Mineworkers spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka. He did not provide any details on how many workers were taking part in the strike. Thousands are expected to down tools in the one-day walkout. The nearly two million-strong Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), an ally of the African National Congress, says the action will be a warning to employers who may want to sack workers because of a downturn in profits due to a power supply crisis. In the mines sector, workers are particularly fearful of job cuts after a five-day power cut in January and the rationing of electricity to mines slashed output and earnings in this top precious metals producer. "We are adamant that workers should not be asked to pay for government's failure to invest in electricity," Cosatu's spokesperson Patrick Craven said. Mines, refineries, car makers, textile factories, businesses and construction of stadiums meant for the 2010 Soccer World Cup could halt for a day, while workers and students are likely to stay at home if public transport is disrupted. Analysts say a complete shutdown of the economy could spook foreign investors and further dent a slowing economy, seen growing by about 3% this year from an average 5% growth over the past four years. Anglo Platinum, the world's top producer, and second-ranked Impala Platinum may also be disrupted. BHP Billiton's aluminium smelters, Anglo American's coal and iron ore mines and refineries on South Africa's coastline could be affected.  CONTINUES BELOW Commuters stranded Commuters were left stranded on Wednesday morning as bus and taxi drivers participated in the stayaway. "As we speak, there are no buses running," Johannesburg city spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane said. "Normally we try to make sure that we have a skeleton staff in the morning, but today the drivers did not show up. We are urging commuters to try and arrange an alternative mode of transportation. We apologise for the inconvenience caused," he said. He said he did not see many taxis running either as he drove to work. A South African Press Association reporter at the Noord Street taxi rank in the Johannesburg city centre said about 500 commuters had been left stranded. Taxi drivers said the rising costs of petrol are affecting their businesses. "The association spoke about this and they agreed that all the taxis at Noord taxi rank would not be working today," said taxi driver Moses Mosemola, who was sitting on the pavement and reading a newspaper. "We received a warning about not working today," he added, but denied that he had been intimidated by anyone. Some of the frustrated commuters had travelled from Pretoria and Midrand early in the morning when taxis were still running, but now they cannot commute to their destinations in Johannesburg. Malebo Hlase, from Pretoria, was scheduled to write her learner's test for her driving licence in Soweto on Wednesday. "But I found no taxis in Johannesburg and now I can't write my learners," an upset Hlase said. Another commuter, Brendon Smith, said Cosatu should have arranged alternative transport for those who did not want to participate in the stayaway. "This is absurd. If they stop production everyone is going to face the repercussions and the economy is going to drop," said Smith. Taxi drivers did not want to say whether they would start working later in the day, but about 50 taxis were parked at the rank and the ticket box was open. Electrical engineering student Samiksha Rampersadh (23) who lives in Linden and normally takes a bus to Wits University, said she would not be able to attend her lectures on Wednesday morning. "There are no buses and sometimes, when you are desperate for transport, you can take a taxi. But there are no taxis either this morning. I am missing all my lectures," she said. 'Biggest strike' Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has also called on its 235 000 members to "fully support" the national strike. "Teachers suffer as a result of increased prices -- like all other workers. We are a part of Cosatu and fully in support of the action led by the federation," said Sadtu general secretary, Thulas Nxesi. Wednesday's marches will take place across the country. In Gauteng, Cosatu members would gather at the Pretoria City Hall on Visagie Street at 10am. They would then march to offices of the Department of Minerals and Energy Affairs and thereafter to the Union Buildings. "Workers can rest assured that all those who participate in the strike will be protected by law except for those performing genuinely essential services," said the union federation. On rising interest rates, Cosatu's leadership said the government should find other ways to deal with inflation, which has a negative effect on economic growth. The planned march to parliament on Wednesday was billed as "the biggest strike that the city has seen in the last few years". - Reuters, Sapa TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
Dick Corner on August 6, 2008, 8:37 am
Agreed, I fail to see how, stopping the countries main industries. There by, further reducing foreign investment, and further weakening the rand against foreign currencies is going to aid cosatu's cause at all. If anything it will make the poor suffer more not less. While the rest of us who do not have the luxury of taking more time off work, or those who are stranded as a result must pay for their slacking. It is ridiculous. the world does not work like that, understanding their plight is one thing, we are all feeling the need to tighten the belt, but we continue to work to increase our countries standing and hopefully, wait for 'warmer weather'.
brigitta stone on August 6, 2008, 12:37 pm
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What hypocracy! The negative effect of Cosatu's strike will be far greater and of longer term. Their leaders could contribute to improvement in the economy (and thereby reduce unemployment) by broadening their understanding of economics and applying the result to their activities. They would perhaps then be willing and able to offer helpful advice to Governnment. That would really be in the best interest of their members.