Sicelo Dladla

Sicelo Dladla

Thousands of workers will stay away from work on Wednesday as Cosatu embarks on a one-day provincial stayaway.

"We have scheduled that day to demonstrate against the rising costs in fuel, interest rates, electricity and food," said Zet Luzipo, Cosatu's secretary.

The march will be held in Durban to highlight their grievances.

Luzipo said there would be no public transport on that day because taxi associations and motorists would form part of the demonstration. Cosatu has appealed to the criminal justice system, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, hospitals and clinics to set aside their business for that day and reschedule duties.

"This appeal includes interviews, collection of medication and town-to-town trips for the public," said Luzipo.

He also urged all essential services to make provision to transport their workers.

"We are making this call because we want members of the public to employ precautionary measures against any possible inconvenience," he said.

Luzipo said Cosatu was expecting a total shutdown of all economic and public activities.

As part of the protest there will be a march from Curries Fountain to the City Hall in Durban.