Cosatu Workers Stage Nationwide Marches on World Decent Work Day: Calls to End Retrenchments and Fix Service Delivery

Tshwane, 07 October 2025 – Thousands of workers affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions took to the streets across the country today, marking the International Day for Decent Work with protests against rising retrenchments, sluggish economic growth, and the soaring cost of living. In Tshwane, marchers gathered at the Old Putco Bus Terminus in Marabastad before heading to the Department of Employment and Labour offices at 215 Francis Baard and Paul Kruger streets, where they handed over memorandums demanding urgent action. This nationwide action, protected under section 77 of the Labour Relations Act, highlights deep frustrations over job losses, poor enforcement of labour laws, and failing public services. As South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers above 32%, with over 8 million people out of work, these protests underscore the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable workers and revive the economy.

The day-long event, running from midnight to midnight, saw similar marches and pickets in major cities, drawing attention to issues like profit-driven layoffs in sectors such as mining and retail. Cosatu, representing about 1.6 million members from various unions, called on all workers to join in, emphasizing that participants are shielded from dismissal but face the no-work-no-pay rule. This comes amid a tough economic climate, where recent job cuts at companies like ArcelorMittal and major retailers have left thousands without livelihoods, fueling poverty and inequality.

The Tshwane March: Workers Voice Their Struggles

In Tshwane, the protest kicked off at 09:00 with workers assembling at the Old Putco Bus Terminus before marching to the Department of Employment and Labour. Cosatu’s Gauteng provincial secretary, Lousiah Modikwe, led the charge, pointing out how weak enforcement of labour laws has led to worker deaths and exploitation on the job. “The challenge we are faced with is poor service delivery; poor service delivery must be dealt with,” says Modikwe.

Marchers also slammed budget cuts at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, which have caused massive delays in handling disputes. “So, when we need to attend the cases, sometimes it takes even a year to go to arbitration,” Modikwe added. Demands included better healthcare services, where long queues and medicine shortages are common, and improved municipal delivery for basics like water and electricity. Memorandums were delivered not just to the labour department but also to the South African Local Government Association, National Treasury, and the local Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration office.

This leg of the protest formed part of Gauteng’s broader actions, with similar events in Ekurhuleni – a picket at Tembisa Hospital – and Johannesburg, where workers marched from Cosatu House to the Premier’s office, handing over demands to the Department of Health, Treasury, South African Human Rights Commission, South African Council of Churches, Massmart, and Pick n Pay.

Key Demands: From Job Protection to Economic Reforms

At the heart of the protests are calls to ban profit-driven retrenchments, enforce strict job creation mandates, and place restrictions on layoffs. Cosatu wants an immediate stop to the wave of job cuts that have hit hard in recent months, amid weak economic growth projected at just 1.2% for 2025. Workers are pushing for stronger labour law enforcement to prevent exploitation and deaths in dangerous industries like construction and mining.

Broader socio-economic demands include rejecting austerity measures in government budgets, which protesters say worsen poverty and inequality. They want action on the high cost of living, driven by rising food, fuel, and electricity prices – with inflation stubbornly above 4% despite efforts to curb it. Better service delivery tops the list, targeting failures in healthcare, where rural clinics often lack basics, and municipal services plagued by outages and leaks.

The protests tie into global themes for the International Day for Decent Work, organized by the International Trade Union Confederation, focusing on fair wages, safe conditions, and social protection. In South Africa, this resonates deeply, given the legacy of inequality and a youth unemployment rate exceeding 45%.

Nationwide Protests: Unity Across Provinces

The action was not limited to Gauteng. In the Western Cape, workers marched from Hanover Street in Cape Town to the Provincial Legislature and City of Cape Town Civic Centre, with free train rides offered to boost turnout. KwaZulu-Natal saw a march from King Dinuzulu Park in Durban to City Hall, where memorandums went to government, state-owned enterprises, and employers.

Mpumalanga featured multiple pickets, including at Sappi in Mhlambanyathi, Witbank Roots Butchery, and various sites in Mkhondo and Nelspruit. Limpopo hosted pickets in Mokopane and a march in Mogalakwena to the local municipality. In the Free State, marchers gathered at Thabo Nkoane Circle in Bothaville for a trek to Nala Municipality.

The Eastern Cape action started at the Bhisho Massacre Memorial, heading to Bhisho State House. North West protesters assembled at Montshiwa Stadium in Mahikeng for a march to the Provincial Legislature. In the Northern Cape, the focus was Kimberley, with assembly at Kemo Open Space and destinations including Shoprite/Checkers and Boxer Super Store.

Slogans like “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” and calls to defend collective bargaining echoed across all events. Participants were urged to wear union or Cosatu regalia, turning the day into a show of solidarity.

Legal Protections and Impact on Employers

This protest falls under section 77 of the Labour Relations Act, a constitutional right allowing socio-economic demonstrations. The National Economic Development and Labour Council confirmed all procedures were followed, protecting workers from dismissal or victimisation for joining. However, employers can apply the no-work-no-pay principle for absences.

Business groups like the National Employers’ Association of South Africa advised firms to do risk assessments, approve leave requests, and offer flexible work options. Many companies braced for disruptions, with some reporting lower attendance as workers heeded the call. Legal experts stress that while the action is protected, it must stay peaceful to avoid complications.

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