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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) wishes the militant worker’s movement, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) a successful 77th Anniversary.  

This anniversary takes place during a very difficult period for workers of the world, who are heavily affected by the COVID-19 inspired economic crisis and anti-workers measures taken in most countries. 

For close to eight decades, WFTU has been at the forefront in leading the class-oriented struggles of the world working class and we still look at it to provide that leadership in a period of sharpening of the workers’ problems, social injustice, and imperialist rivalries.

The recently convened and successful WFTU 18th World Congress shaped the wayforward for the working class and adopted solid revolutionary decisions that will give new momentum to the workers’ struggles and the development of our big, class-oriented trade union family.

The rising unemployment in the country and the world remains a big problem. This massive unemployment creates a reserve army of cheap labour which is inherent and beneficial to the capitalist system South Africa has. Capitalism views labour as a cheap commodity to be exploited for profit maximization.

COSATU reiterates its commitment to working hand in glove with the WFTU, to push back against a capitalist onslaught and defend collective bargaining. We wish the class-oriented federation another seven decades of revolutionary activism and radicalism on behalf on the global working class.

Long Live Workers Struggle!

Long Live International Solidarity!

Issued by COSATU