Unions express reservations

2003-02-26 17:06

Thabang Mokopanele

Johannesburg - South African labour unions have reluctantly welcomed Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's Budget speech.

The Congress Of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) stated it was broadly pleased with the Budget released, saying the government was continuing on the expansionary trend of the economy.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) also welcomed the Budget.

"We especially welcome the increased spending on HIV/Aids, health and social services," NUM spokesperson Moferefere Lekorotsoana said.

The union said it complimented the ministry of finance for the increases for child support grant, pensions and education, which will be good for the poor.

National Union Of Metalworkers Of South Africa (Numsa) spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli states that this year's Budget was a progressive one.

Numsa welcomed a tax decrease for middle and low earners saying this should filter through to its members.

"We would also like to praise Manuel for continuing to put a brave fight against HIV/Aids by increasing the Budget," he added.

Numsa also highlighted social infrastructure spending as a step in the right direction.

The union, however, was not impressed with announcement on job creation programmes, saying there was less on this front in Manuel's speech.

Meanwhile, trade union Solidarity welcomed the easing of direct (gross) tax but criticised the Minister for not succeeding in establishing measures to decrease the net tax rate of the middle income group.

Solidarity added that should the net tax rate not be eased the gross benefit will not be realised.

"Today the national congress of Solidarity passed a motion to exercise pressure upon the government this coming year to effect tax relief for individuals who pay their own medical cover."

The trade union welcomed the emphasis on HIV/Aids and the support for children and education. The government was lauded for the focus on improved services rendered by the public sector and the improvement of infrastructure.

The trade union expressed its hope that the R10bn for the financing of black empowerment ventures would not be race-exclusive or elitist.

However, the challenge presented to the government will be to implement the Budget. - I-Net Bridge

- News24