COSATU Gears Up for Nationwide Strike on 7 October Over Profit-Driven Job Cuts

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on workers across the country to down tools on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, in a nationwide socio-economic protest aimed at fighting back against what it calls “profit-driven retrenchments” and worsening living conditions for the working class.

The strike – which will be legally protected under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) – follows years of frustration over unresolved demands first tabled by COSATU in 2017, including calls for employers to stop cutting jobs purely to boost profits. Despite numerous engagements at NEDLAC, the federation says business and government have failed to address the issues at the heart of South Africa’s economic crisis.

“Workers have carried the burden of job losses, rising costs, and stagnant wages while companies prioritise shareholder profits,” COSATU said in a statement. “This protest is a clear message that enough is enough.”

How the Strike Will Unfold

The planned action will unfold in several phases to maximise impact:

• National Day of Protest – 7 October: A full-day strike from midnight to 23:59, with marches and pickets expected in major cities and towns across the country.
• Build-Up Pickets – Starting 16 September: Two-hour lunchtime protests (12:00–14:00) at workplaces nationwide leading up to the main strike.
• Mass Demonstrations: Large-scale marches and pickets will take place during the strike day itself to highlight worker grievances.

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What Employers Need to Know

While workers are protected by law to participate, employers must also understand their rights and responsibilities:

• Operations Can Continue: Businesses may stay open, but they must not intimidate or dismiss workers for participating in the strike.
• No Work, No Pay: Employees won’t be paid for the hours or shifts they miss during the protest.
• Workplace Conduct Still Applies: Any unlawful behaviour during protests can lead to disciplinary action.

COSATU has also warned that if its demands continue to be ignored, further industrial action could follow.

The upcoming protest is shaping up to be a significant show of force from organised labour – a reminder that South Africa’s deep-rooted socio-economic challenges remain unresolved, and workers are ready to fight for their share of the economy.