Members of the Cut, Make and Trim Employers’ Association took to the streets in June asking for a blanket exemption from paying the legal minimum wage applicable in the clothing industry.
SA Clothing and Textile Workers Union members took them on in a counter demonstration demanding that they obey the law.
In an industry which pays similar wages as the motor sector – R262 a week in areas like Newcastle , Dimbaza, Isithebe and Botshabelo – it is estimated that about 40 000 workers earn even less than this because their employers refuse to comply with the law.
Calling for an end to these sweatshop conditions, Cosatu and Sactwu are putting their weight behind the clothing bargaining council’s attempts to stamp out sweat shop conditions in the industry.
Cosatu is calling on all members of its affiliates to take solidarity action in support of Sactwu’s members.
“There is no place in a democratic South Africa for such blatant exploitation of workers,” Cosatu said. “All employers must obey the law of the land.”