Strike Violence: COSATU must come clean on disciplinary cases
10 July 2014
The DA challenges COSATU to disclose all cases over the past 3 years in which they have suspended or cancelled the membership of union members who have been involved in acts of intimidation, violence and the destruction of property during a strike.
In opposing the DA's proposed Private Member's Bill that would prevent strike related violence, COSATU's spokesperson, Patrick Craven, argues that, "The federation and its affiliates have always done everything possible to ensure that its activities are peaceful, lawful and orderly. We have taken action against any members proved to be guilty of such offences."
The DA's proposed Bill seeks to strike a balance between workers' constitutionally guaranteed right to engage in lawful strikes and preserving the rule of law and safety of all South Africans.
With a reported 98 arrests associated with acts of violence, malicious destruction to property, intimidation of both fellow workers and members of the public with regard to the on-going NUMSA-led strike in the metal and engineering sector, COSATU must prove the veracity of the claim.