By Neelam Rahim

Yesterday’s nationwide shutdown organised by the most influential trade unions failed. Instead of the tens of thousands of workers that participated in previous shutdowns, few heeded the call. Many workers stated they could not join the protest as they could not afford to lose a day’s pay.

Radio Islam International discusses the lacklustre response with Wits Business School Professor Jannie Rossouw.

According to Prof Jannie, the trade union organisers state that yesterday’s stay away and march was a big success.

He said it depends on which side this has been looked at upon deciding whether it was a big success.  

In his view, Prof Jannie said people are tired of staying away, and on the other hand, jobs are scarce in South Africa, and therefore people are concerned about losing their jobs. Also, the taxi association’s non-support did play a role.

He added that the country could not afford this, and Trade Unions must understand that staying away from this nature increases the cost of total employment.

According to Prof Jannie, workers are more concerned about looking after their jobs than partaking in labour fights.

One of the issues highlighted during the strike action was the impact of high fuel prices on the economy. Prof Jannie said that in terms of fuel levies, we have to remember that the retail margin is an essential component of the fuel levy and ensures the wages of fuel pump attendants.

“We can debate the fuel price, but in my view, given our high unemployment rate it is necessary to protect the employment of pump attendants.”

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.