South African labour unions urge workers to shun anti-migrant protests

South Africa's major labor unions have issued a strong appeal to workers, urging them to stay away from anti-immigrant protests that have recently gripped the nation. The unions, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), warned that employees who skip work to participate in these demonstrations could face disciplinary action.

This directive comes as the country braces for a June 30 deadline. Anti-immigrant organizations have publicly stated that all undocumented foreigners must leave South Africa by this date. The protests, which have been escalating, raise concerns about xenophobia and potential violence against foreign nationals.

The unions' stance aims to prevent disruptions to the economy and to counter the rising tide of xenophobic sentiment. By discouraging participation, they seek to maintain order and protect the rights of all workers, regardless of their immigration status, while also signaling a potential internal division on the issue of immigration within the labor movement.