COSATU has formally notified NEDLAC of its intention to embark on nationwide protest action on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. This mirrors similar action taken at the same time last year. What should employers do?

Background

The reasons provided for this year’s protest are the same as last year. It stems from COSATU’s longstanding demand, first articulated in 2017, that “retrenchments to maximize profits must stop.” COSATU contends that since then, COSATU alleges that “we have seen the number of retrenchments increase at alarming rates accompanied by weak economic growth as well as rising costs of living.”

Planned activities

The protest action is scheduled to run from 00h00 to 23h59 on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, and will include marches and pickets in major cities and towns across South Africa.

Legal framework

The protest action falls under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act, which provides legal protection for participants involved in protest action over socio-economic issues.

Guidance for employers

Employers should take note of the following:

• Legal protection: Employees participating in the action protest, or engaging in conduct in anticipation or support of it, are protected by law.
• No disciplinary action: Disciplinary measures must not be taken against employees who are absent due to participation, except those in essential or maintenance services.
• No work, no pay: Employers are entitled to apply the “no work, no pay” principle for employees who do not report for duty.

While last year’s action saw limited participation, it remains to be seen whether COSATU will mobilise broader support this time around.

For further questions, you can email info@labourwise.co.za