KAROO NEWS - The Support Centre for Land Change (SCLC), an activist organisation focused on agrarian transformation, hosted its 11th Precarious Workers Platform at Profcon Resort in Graaff-Reinet last weekend, 5 to 7 July. Programme leader Ricardo Betsha explained that the theme of this particular platform, Precarious Workers – actors of change: organising and building solidarity, is based on the premise that workers in the agricultural, domestic, retail, hospitality and security sectors, as well as the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Community Works Programme (CWP), are among the most marginalised labourers nationwide.
They face consistent violations of their labour, tenure and basic human rights, often with minimal or no access to representation.
“The insecurity and instability experienced by precarious workers, along with their perceived disconnection from established groups, contribute to the widespread perception that they are unable to organise effectively,” says Betsha. “However, throughout history, working-class struggles have been marked by collective action – from strikes and protests to political movements – aimed at improving working conditions and promoting social justice for all workers worldwide.”
Betsha highlighted the extensive and diverse history of working-class struggles spanning across centuries and continents. He mentioned the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century when workers faced harsh conditions in factories and mines which prompted protests and the formation of early trade unions, the 19th century that saw the rise of organised labour movements across Europe and the United States, advocating for political rights and better working conditions, and the 20th Century that brought significant milestones such as the Russian Revolution, promising worker autonomy and the establishment of social democracies in Europe. Today, contemporary challenges like automation and income disparities continue to shape working-class movements, emphasising the persistent global struggle for economic fairness and the protection of worker rights.
The aim of this platform was therefore to challenge the perception that precarious workers are unorganised, through demonstrating instances of worker organisation and effective collective resistance, These insights are considered crucial in shaping supportive frameworks.
The platform aimed to promote organic organising and mobilisation by encouraging precarious workers to form collective actions that could transform not only government policies, but also employer practices that exacerbate poor working and living conditions. The ultimate goal was to cultivate precarious workers as strong leaders who will collaborate across sectors to build effective movements and campaigns to overcome their precarious positions.
Director of SCLC Patrick Sambo.
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