ActionSA Calls for Urgent Resolution to the Job-killing Transnet Strike
Herman Mashaba
ActionSA President
ActionSA is calling on all stakeholders involved in the protracted Transnet strike to find an urgent resolution to this crisis, which is estimated to cost the South Africa economy approximately R1 billion a day.
While we understand the impact on the rise of the cost of living on Transnet employees, we urge the unions to consider the interests of their fellow citizens, especially in the context of the financial limitations faced by Transnet.
With the strike impacting on a wide range of sectors and industries, the knock-on effect of the strike has the potential to do irreparable damage to the broader economy. I have recently engaged with representatives of the farming community, who have expressed deep concern over the financial impact on their own livelihoods caused by their inability to get their produce to market. They shared how this strike is affecting the berry industry in particular:
The industry currently exports 80 containers a week, which are now stuck in the port with perishable goods at risk.
They estimate that berry production employs approximately 9,500 permanent employees, and over 30,000 seasonal employees this season.
Of these, over 80% of the seasonal employees are women from rural areas.
The industry has been growing at a rate of 25% per annum and is expected to generate close to R3.8 billion in foreign earnings.
We cannot allow the protracted strike to jeopardise South African economic success stories such as this one. Certainly not in an environment where we face 44.1% unemployment, leaving 12.2 million South Africans without jobs.
ActionSA reiterates that labour unions are an important stakeholder in South Africa and play a crucial role in protecting workers from exploitation. However, we cannot protect the rights of the employed at the expense of the unemployed.
We sympathise with Transnet workers who, like all South Africans, are facing a cost-of-living crisis precipitated by the failed economic policies and gross corruption of the ANC government. Transnet has been at the centre of countless allegations pertaining to State Capture, which has undoubtedly impacted on its financial sustainability. It is ultimately the Transnet workers who are now suffering as a result.
As much as this angers me, I believe that everyone involved needs to consider the bigger picture and find a resolution as a matter of urgency. The only long-term solution to this problem is to remove the ANC from government, and elect leaders that will prioritise policies that generate inclusive economic growth over their self-interest.
ActionSA Calls for Urgent Resolution to the Job-killing Transnet Strike
ActionSA is calling on all stakeholders involved in the protracted Transnet strike to find an urgent resolution to this crisis, which is estimated to cost the South Africa economy approximately R1 billion a day.
While we understand the impact on the rise of the cost of living on Transnet employees, we urge the unions to consider the interests of their fellow citizens, especially in the context of the financial limitations faced by Transnet.
With the strike impacting on a wide range of sectors and industries, the knock-on effect of the strike has the potential to do irreparable damage to the broader economy. I have recently engaged with representatives of the farming community, who have expressed deep concern over the financial impact on their own livelihoods caused by their inability to get their produce to market. They shared how this strike is affecting the berry industry in particular:
We cannot allow the protracted strike to jeopardise South African economic success stories such as this one. Certainly not in an environment where we face 44.1% unemployment, leaving 12.2 million South Africans without jobs.
ActionSA reiterates that labour unions are an important stakeholder in South Africa and play a crucial role in protecting workers from exploitation. However, we cannot protect the rights of the employed at the expense of the unemployed.
We sympathise with Transnet workers who, like all South Africans, are facing a cost-of-living crisis precipitated by the failed economic policies and gross corruption of the ANC government. Transnet has been at the centre of countless allegations pertaining to State Capture, which has undoubtedly impacted on its financial sustainability. It is ultimately the Transnet workers who are now suffering as a result.
As much as this angers me, I believe that everyone involved needs to consider the bigger picture and find a resolution as a matter of urgency. The only long-term solution to this problem is to remove the ANC from government, and elect leaders that will prioritise policies that generate inclusive economic growth over their self-interest.