'Rising fuel costs can’t be used as excuse to shed jobs,' says workers' union

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) believes increasing fuel costs should not be used as an excuse for mass retrenchments.

The trade union is calling for the private sector to commit to a moratorium on retrenchments.

MISA is disappointed with the exclusion of illuminating paraffin from the general fuel levy cut, which has been extended to June.

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It said millions of South Africans, who rely on paraffin for lighting, cooking and heating, face the unbearable costs of fuel as winter approaches.

MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola explained.

"Protecting workers and households must be the cornerstone of South Africa’s response to global instability. Has welcomed the extension of fuel levy relief, but it's also disappointed that illuminating paraffin has been excluded. 

"Rising fuel costs cannot be used as an excuse to shed jobs."