Losi call members to defend Cosatu

eMBALENHLE – Members of the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) gathered at the eMbalenhle Stadium and sang revolutionary songs during the Cosatu May Day Rally on Friday, 1 May.

Ms Zingiswa Losi, second deputy of Cosatu, called on members to ensure that they defend the federation and the Cosatu alliance.

She said Cosatu exists because of all the unions under it and encouraged them to unite in fighting for the workers.

“This federation is not the lap dog of the ANC, but we are a strong federation that confronts the government regarding any matter we are not happy about.

“The Cosatu-affiliated trade unions met with members in various parts of the country last week and confronted the government and demanded a housing allowance increase from R900 to R1 500.

“Women demanded six months maternity leave with full pay and men demanded 10 days paternity leave.

“We continue with the mandate given by our workers that the government must know that Casatu is serious about the demands of the workers.”

Ms Losi said Secunda is a mining area and urged the government to ensure the mines are adhering to the mining charter policies.

She then reminded the members that Cosatu is not a political party, but a trade union.

“We stick to our founding principles which say one union, one industry and one country one federation.

“We still say no to E-tolls and we continue fighting for the farm workers and domestic workers.”

She challenged the workers to fight against xenophobic attacks.

Mr Fidel Mlombo, provincial secretary of Cosato, said this year’s celebration marks an important milestone in the history of Cosatu and the broader South African revolution.

“We are celebrating 30 years of selfless and unbroken struggle to improve the working conditions of the workers in South Africa.”