By: Natasha Archary
Taxi commuters will not be affected by the National Shutdown which takes place today, 24 August, as SANTACO will not be participating.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) made a statement reassuring commuters that there are no plans to join the pending shutdown.
“SANTACO distances itself from the National Shutdown. We are not part of it. The council has already addressed concerns around high fuel prices with government. If there is no outcome from those discussions, then we will strike but as it stands, there is no need for us to be part of the shutdown.”
COSATU and SAFTU arranged the National Shutdown to protest over the high cost of living, loadshedding rising fuel prices and unemployment.
While the unions say the strike is legally protected, government says the “no work, no pay” principle will apply.
The Public Service and Administration Department says while protests are protected by the law, essential workers are not allowed to join in the protests during working hours.
Leave applications will also be strictly monitored and no leave will be granted except in extreme circumstances.
The trade union federation, SAFTU is demanding that government sets aside R1 trillion to address the issues that sparked the shutdown.
SAFTU says the rising cost of living is crippling the poor in the country and they are also calling for a higher tax on the wealthy.
Topping the list of demands by the unions, is the request for government to increase the R350 social relief grant to R1500 a month.
The national shutdown will commence from 09h00 across all provinces.
Also read: South Africa notes a 0.6% decline in unemployment rate
