COSATU accuses JSE-listed companies of profiting from workers' blood without giving much back
Hundreds of COSATU members have gathered outside the JSE offices in Sandton.
Hundreds of COSATU members have gathered outside the JSE offices in Sandton. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ Eyewitness News.
JOHANNESBURG - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) have been profiting off workers' blood without giving much back.
Hundreds of COSATU members have gathered outside the JSE offices in Sandton.
As Monday marks the World Day for Decent Work, COSATU is holding a nationwide strike to highlight the plight of workers.
Africa’s richest square mile - Sandton - has been a sea of red as COSATU members marched from George Lea Park to the JSE.
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The marchers are made up of workers employed in the mining, retail and manufacturing industries - which are all facing financial difficulties.
COSATU Gauteng chairperson Amos Monyela says its time for JSE-listed companies to have fair wealth distribution.
“We want to engage with all the companies that are on the JSE and provide direction on the economy and how they can grow the economy, and why they should not retrench workers in this country because the owners of those companies are not even sitting on the JSE. They are on holidays enjoying the fruits and blood of workers without even (giving) back to workers.”
COSATU will hand over a memorandum of demands to the JSE.