As a result, official data show that inequalities in incomes and wealth have deepened. The horrific and tragic fire in Lenasia brought to light the dangerous and unhealthy conditions endured by millions of the working poor. Inspections carried out since that fire have exposed that many employers simply flout laws that are supposed to protect workers. The unions fought hard for the right to minimum standards of safety and health. But these rights are worthless if bosses can ignore them at will or if workers do not claim them.
Workers also suffer from the cancer of racism that still infects South Africa.
Theren must be no islands of exploitation in South Africa. New plot to crush labour rights President of Saqez Bakers Syndicate, must be released immediately Morocco violates trade union rights Metal Workers in protest to Chinise government Stop forced labour in Burma Obituary Constance Eva Mashilo Undocumented foreign workers are paid pitiful wages and get no benefits, and usually cannot exercise their rights as workers. Because they must accept lower pay, they face hostility from local workers. Yet the real responsibility lies with employers who exploit migrants so as to avoid their legal responsibilities. This is a national emergency, demanding immediate, drastic action by the government to provide treatment and support programmes to keep people with HIV healthy and productive.