South Africa: Labour Unions Urge Workers to Shun Anti-Migrant Protests

Source: US News & World Report

“South Africa’s biggest labour unions ⁠on ⁠Wednesday urged workers not to ⁠participate in anti-immigrant protests that have seized the country, and said ​they could face consequences if they skip work to attend. South Africa is on edge ahead of a ‌June 30 deadline which anti-immigrant ‌groups have given for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Protests and potential civil ⁠unrest are ⁠expected, after weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic attacks. Four major unions including ​the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which represents around 2 million people, said in a statement that workers would not be protected if they do not go to work on June 30. … ‘Removing foreign nationals from workplaces, communities or public ​spaces will not reopen ⁠factories, repair municipalities, strengthen public healthcare or create sustainable jobs,’ said the unions COSATU, FEDUSA, SAFTU and NACTU.” (06/17/26)

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2026-06-17/south-african-labour-unions-urge-workers-to-shun-anti-migrant-protests