ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has called on workers to balance their right to strike with responsible behaviour. He made the call when he addressed the Cosatu May Day Rally at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa says workers’ plights can only be taken seriously if they don’t resort to damaging the country’s assets during industrial action.
“Let us exercise our right to protest to make sure we look after the vulnerable, look after the assets of our nation. We will then be able to strengthen the collective bargaining system. It will be done in a dignified way to send a clear message to whoever is responsible. They listen more to you when they know that you’re doing it in a disciplined manner.”
Ramaphosa has acknowledged that the minimum wage is still not enough. He, however, believes that it will go a long way in addressing the plight of over 6 million workers.
Ramaphosa commended the struggle waged by workers around the world for ensuring that Workers Day is celebrated in many countries around the world.
South Africa took a decision to celebrate May Day after the new dispensation. But as the country celebrates, worker federations are fragmented and today a burning issue is the minimum wage.
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