Johannesburg – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West is calling on all workers across all sectors of the economy to come out in their numbers to celebrate this years International Workers’ Day May Day on Monday, (1 May 2023).
“We are celebrating this years May Day under the theme; Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism, COSATU said Sunday.
COSATU in the North West is convening a rally in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati in Vryburg at Colridge stadium and workers will receive messages of support from the leadership of the alliance.
A keynote address will be delivered by the COSATU 2nd Deputy President Comrade Duncan Lovuno.
“This important Workers Day originates over 137 years ago in 1886, when workers stood up and demanded eight hours of work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest,” COSATU said.
“Like those pioneers who took a stand against slave working conditions, this May Day presents us with an opportunity to reflect and commit ourselves again to the ongoing fight against slave wages, retrenchments, and poor working conditions.
“This May Day is important for workers to celebrate the gains we have made since the dawn of democracy but at the same time reflect on the current challenges facing the workers and the working class of this country and the world.
“‘We are dedicated to fostering a spirit of solidarity and cooperation amongst all unions, inside and outside of COSATU. We are pleased with the work being done by our Affiliates to build unity on the ground across unions and across federations.”
COSATU said workers cannot afford to be divided when they are under siege.
“The message during this years May Day is that we must cherish, defend, and constantly invest in our unity,” COSATU said.
“It is our key weapon as we wage working-class struggles.
“We need to unite against rising extreme poverty, unprecedented levels of unemployment, deteriorating public services, and elite corruption.
“We need to work together to deal with the rising cost of living and levels of indebtedness among workers.
“We are calling on all unions to cooperate and work together during this years round of wage negotiations to fight for decent wages for the workers.”
COSATU said workers deserve decent wages that will keep up with inflation so that they can afford to put food on the table and feed and clothe their families.
“Our priority should be a pushback against the electricity and petrol price increases,” said COSATU.
“We need to unite to fight against the governments formulaic persistence with neo-liberal macroeconomic fiscal and monetary policies that have left many living lives of brute survival.
“We reiterate our call on the workers to come out in their numbers on the 1st of May to commemorate this important workers day.”
