Labour broking: Cosatu not backing down

2012-03-07 13:23

Durban - Labour brokers will remain a contentious issue between Cosatu and government until they are abolished, Cosatu president S'dumo Dlamini said on Wednesday.

"We will never understand the regulation of labour brokers, we want a total ban," he told Sapa at the union federation's protest in Durban against labour brokers and e-tolling.

He said the Congress of SA Trade Unions had discussed the issue with government and was not happy that only regulation was on the agenda. Another protest about it would be held later in the year.

He said the state and Cosatu were still in agreement on a number of issues and the ANC government retained the federation's backing.

When asked if it would support President Jacob Zuma at the ANC's elective conference in Bloemfontein later this year, he said the strike had nothing to do with succession in the party.

"We are not trying to propel our view to Mangaung."

Dlamini admitted the nationwide protest was costly for both workers and businesses, but it was necessary to air concerns.

"This should not stop Cosatu raising issues."

Earlier, the protest started an hour behind schedule. There were numerous police officers along Dr Pixley ka Seme Street - formerly called West Street - and the crowd was under control.

Most of the shops were open prior to the march, but many of the usual informal traders who sold fruits and sweets were absent.

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