South African workers are continuing to demand higher wages in ongoing negotiations. Workers commemorated May Day with rallies across major cities, expressing their frustration with the current economic climate. The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) called for unity among unions to address the cost of living and indebtedness among workers. They emphasized the need for decent wages that keep up with inflation and called for action against electricity and petrol price increases. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) blamed the government’s macroeconomic policies and capitalism for the plight of workers, citing the escalating cost of living, falling rand and diminishing buying power.
