COSATU: Gig work, AI, and shrinking union reach threatens workers

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to embark on countrywide marches on Tuesday to mark World Day for Decent Work.

The union's Western Cape Secretary, Melvin De Bruyn, said this national mobilisation is not only a protest but a powerful call to build working-class unity for economic liberation and a just society.

De Bruyn warned that unstable jobs, weakening union influence, and the rise of gig and remote work are eroding worker rights.

He acknowledged that union membership has declined significantly (now sitting below 30% nationally) due to job losses, COVID-19's impact, and a growing disconnection between workers and traditional labour structures. 

"We are busy on a daily basis trying to find other ways and means to ensure workers still see the need to belong to unions."

"Without organised labour, there will be a blood bath in our economy."

"Organised labour must be there to protect the interests of the working class."

Marchers will deliver memorandums demanding job creation, lower utility tariffs, and action on crime.

Melvin De Bruyn was in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford.

Listen below: