The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stands in solidarity with striking workers at Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

COSATU was set to have a workshop at the hotel today but moved it to another venue to show solidarity with the workers. The Federation adds its voice to that of its mighty affiliate, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), which has already expressed support for the workers’ demands.

COSATU concurs with its affiliate that workers have a right to withdraw their labour to advance improved working conditions. Parktonian Hotel should not delude itself into thinking it can discontinue workers’ provident fund contributions, not pay funeral insurance contributions, not pay backdated salary adjustment due from February this year, delay salary payments, as well as unilaterally alter the salary structure from monthly to an hourly rate system and implement short-time work without properly consulting workers. 

The Federation urges hotel management to negotiate meaningfully with workers, recover their original benefits to ensure the business does not lose any more clients. COSATU commits to providing support in every way possible to ensure workers are not shortchanged.

Issued by COSATU