THETO MAHLAKOANA: Unions need to stop barking and bring solutions
Organised labour must participate in the policy processes that are under way to steer the country out of crisis
Organised labour in SA needs to step up and fulfil its role in steering the country out of the economic crisis, instead of barking at other stakeholders from the sidelines. It comes as no surprise that the union movement is opposed to most of the government’s policy interventions and proposals, especially those intended to fix the crisis-ridden state-owned enterprises. While the unions’ argument has always been that wholesale changes — such as the unbundling of Eskom — risk destroying jobs, there have been no constructive proposals of alternatives from them, or the Left in general. There has not even been an attempt to strengthen this debate by making an argument for how jobs would be lost as a result of the proposed policies. The main standoff between the government and unions is over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to consult organised labour prior to making the decision that Eskom should be split into three separate entities. Labour is in agreement that Eskom cannot continue ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.