The National Shutdown - why do the privileged see the Unions as the enemy?

 

Some time ago, members of the public, political parties and now Union Federations in South Africa announced a stay away action or what we can call a National Shutdown.

The reason for these shutdowns is mostly due to the state of our economy – rampant fuel price increases, food price increases, electricity and other unaffordable increases but most importantly the youth unemployment.

Now we have heard numerous experts on Talk radio not in favor of any shutdown, question is: Are they going through the same challenges?

I believe one will only realize that there is crime / violent crime in this country once one is directly affected. Can we also say the same when it comes to supporting a cause?

Not so long we had a “so called National shutdown” but the attendance was poor, more so because the “so called middle class” will never participate in any action but also because of the taxi industry that ferries most of our employees, not taking part.

Whenever there is a call for an approved protest action or strike action – those taking part are always being criticized. Those secured in their comfort would blame Union bosses, and even pointing out their lifestyles, but they will never mention the lifestyles of decision makers, be it politicians or executives in the various sectors.

All protest action emanates from somewhere and it just do not start overnight, it starts as something small and is breeding for some time, before communities or workers are taking any action.

Why are we then seeing the Union bosses as the problem?

Was it not Martin Luther King Jr. who said: 'A riot is the language of the unheard?' So when are we going to hear our unheard? When are we going to listen to the most vulnerable? When are we going to listen to those not able to speak for themselves? Union federations might be in alliance with Government but if Government fail to even listen to their partner, what must we the poorest of the poor do?

I listened with disgust on TalkRadio how some of the learned claim that they will not partake in any strikes and that they will work for their families.

My question would also be to the ones not willing to attend the proposed shutdown:

Do you have reprieve on electricity payment?

Do you pay less for fuel and food?

Is your employment secured for your entire worklife?

Do you have unemployed family or friends?

Do you have pensioners in your family?

 

Who is not working for their families?

Remember there is no success without any sacrifice.

 

Fuel prices, electricity prices, unemployment and food prices affects us all, so are we not thinking of the most vulnerable before preaching on Talk Radio that we will not partake in the National Shutdown.

Are we even aware that those who is going to take part are not even listening to Talk Radio?

 

Remember no one is being forced to take part in any industrial action or work stoppage or even national shutdown, but those not willing to sacrifice must not ridicule those who is willing to take part in any action.

shouldn’t we see the Unions as a partner, instead of an enemy?

SO many questions ... SO little answers ...