Saftu declines jobs summit invitation

THE upcoming jobs summit will not do anything to reduce unemployment, the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) said yesterday.

Saftu said it turned down an invitation from the government to attend the summit this week in Johannesburg and published its letter to National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) executive director Madoda Vilakazi.

“Saftu has, however, decided to decline your invitation, as we do not believe that the summit will contribute anything to the reduction of unemployment, alleviation of poverty or narrowing of inequality. We are also concerned that our participation might be simply a way to swell numbers and give the appearance of inclusivity when agreements being presented to the Summit have already been fixed by the three constituencies of government, business and labour,’’ read the letter.

“Saftu is particularly determined not to run the risk of being seen as a party to resolutions like those of past summits, where empty rhetoric was used to cloak the protection of vested interests.’’

The federation was formed after Cosatu expelled its secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi for bringing the federation into disrepute.

The government said the job summit will bring together labour, business, community organisations and the State to tackle South Africa’s rising unemployment. The conference will take place tomorrow and Friday in Midrand. |