The Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) in the Western Cape has learnt with shock, the fatal accident which claimed the lives of three workers who were employed by CSV Construction in Mitchells Plain.

We call for a thorough investigation into this tragic incident where these construction workers are said to have inhaled hazardous fumes from the sewage waste.

COSATU supports the efforts of our Affiliated union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), to ensure that owners and management of companies in the construction sector are held liable for any injuries and loss of lives of workers in the line of duty. Workers sell their labour and not their lives and they should not be treated like glorified slaves by greedy employers.

We also concede with the NUM’s call for workers to unite against self-indulgent employers who put profit before the health and safety of workers.

COSATU sends its heartfelt condolences to the families and the colleagues of the deceased workers.

 

Issued by COSATU Western Cape