Business Unity South Africa (Busa) on Tuesday backed the Congress of South African Trade Union’s (Cosatu’s) calls against State capture and corruption; but distanced itself from the protest action due to be held on Wednesday.

Cosatu and its members plan to embark on a legal national strike to stand up against corruption and State capture.

“Busa has clearly expressed itself on the issues of corruption and State capture and will continue to raise its voice in this regard. Busa unequivocally endorses the call for the State to act decisively, in line with the Constitution and the rule of law, to root out the scourge of corruption,” said Busa CEO Tanya Cohen in a statement.

However, she warned businesses to apply the law and allow employees wishing to participate in the protest action to do so on a “no work, no pay” basis as stipulated by law.

“The protest action is legally protected, which means that employees – unless they are employed in an essential service or a maintenance service – may not be dismissed or disciplined for participating in the protest action,” Cohen noted.