Employers must pressure government to amend lockdown restrictions – Solidarity

CAPE TOWN  – Trade union Solidarity on Wednesday said it had sent letters to more than 10, 000 players in the South African economy asking each to pressurise government into revising its Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Among the recipients were several thousand small and medium-sized businesses, large companies such as Sasol and ArcelorMittal, mining houses, employers and business organisations such as NEASA, the minerals council, BUSA, as well as trade unions such as COSATU and FEDUSA.

“When we see that the economy and jobs are being destroyed, we cannot just sit back and wait. Role players in the economy have a responsibility to actively let their voices be heard. That is what is expected of an active citizenry. Solidarity is undaunted in its resistance to the virus but is also undaunted in its stance in favour of work and the economy,” said Solidarity chief executive, Dirk Hermann. 

He said it would be “catastrophic” for the economy and jobs if there was not a radical intervention in the current lockdown strategy. 

The consequences on the economy, health, and the loss of life would be greater than the consequences of Covid-19, he said.