Download PDF[Interview Audio link: https://omny.fm/shows/power-podcasts/news-update-open-ccma-campaign-ccma-budget-cuts]
The above interview audio clip between radio presenter Kwena Moabelo and Edgar Matome from the Casual Workers Advice Office (CWAO) on Power FM 98.7, took place on Wednesday, 24 February 2021, 05:32 a.m. before the #OpenCCMA Pickets took place that day.
According to Matome, the aim of national #OpenCCMA pickets was to make sure that the Commission of Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) open their offices to the public, in particular, for the workers. The campaign also made other demands that more than 40 labour support organisations want the CCMA to meet, such as bringing back the part-time commissioners and making them permanent, stated Matome.
“Last year when the government’s treasury decided to cut the budget and we tried to communicate with the CCMA. Unfortunately, it was clear that it is planning to go ahead and close down its offices to the public and also cut the services of the commissioners. That is seen as a massive attack to the working class,” said Matome.
The organisations then decided that “because the CCMA has become anti-worker, a demonstration at the CCMA was necessary because this is the period where the workers need the CCMA more than before because of the retrenchments and dismissals that were caused by COVID-19,” stated Matome.
“Another thing that was planned is to conscientise the people and give them the information that is needed to be known about the CCMA, which is; what is its’ role, the role of the commissioners, and also, what to expect when you are in conciliation and arbitration,” said Matome.
This interview took place on 25 February 2021. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
