Release union leaders - Cosatu

2006-05-16 23:14

Erna Buffel and Jan-Jan Joubert

Cape Town - Cosatu leaders condemned the violence by their striking members in the Cape Town city centre on Tuesday and at the same time insisted that leaders of the strike be released, because they apparently had tried to calm the strikers.

Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi said: ''Violence can never be justified. We do not approve of it.

"We are worried that workers have once again harmed our good name and especially just before the big Cosatu strike takes place on Thursday."

He also spoke out about the arrests of about 40 trade-union leaders who are to appear on Wednesday in the magistrate's court on charges of public violence.

"We still don't know what the charges against our leaders are, and we still don't know why the police arrested them after they tried to calm the people down.

People concerned for their safety

"We'll only be able to comment further about this (the arrests) after we've spoken to our leaders."

Vavi is worried about poor attendance of Thursday's campaign because members will be concerned about their safety.

"All our Cosatu campaigns have been peaceful so far, but the Satawu strike has lasted too long and people are frustrated with the state of affairs.

"We must try to find a solution as quickly as possible, but we must also put the blame on the employers. They are the group that doesn't want to negotiate," he said.

"At this stage, we can only condemn the deeds (of violence and vandalism). That's all we can do."

Cosatu national spokesperson Patrick Craven said the trade union was opposed to violence.

''We're worried that the police arrested the people who tried to stop the protest from getting out of hand further.

Have plans for peaceful march

"It's clear something's wrong with the police's tactics. We ask for the immediate release of our leaders and that all charges be withdrawn."

Craven said Cosatu had plans in place to ensure that Thursday would proceed as peacefully as possible.

"The big lesson we can learn from this is that the dispute must be settled as soon as possible and that negotiations must continue.

"We appeal to our members to remain as calm as possible," he said.

- Die Burger