JOHANNESBURG – Today, in 2025 of workers, the Association of Civil Service (PSA) will join millions of workers across South Africa and around the world to commemorate the hard-working victory of the labour movement, calling for newfound dignity, equity and justice in the workplace.
“Workers' Day serves as a powerful reminder of the rights enjoyed by workers and the sacrifices made to ensure the ongoing battle,” the PSA said.
“It reflects the voices of a generation who opposed exploitation, inequality and injustice.”
In 2025, with the theme of “Working together to create jobs and combat poverty,” the PSA said the relevance of Labor Day is not so urgent.
The unemployment rate in South Africa is projected to be around 33.2%, and the global economy is facing instability, so the civil servants union said the government needs to adapt policies that invite investment.
“Many frontline workers are still exposed to public institutions with employment insecurity, inadequate wages, dangerous working conditions and lack of resources,” the PSA said.
“But decent work is not a privilege, it is a right.
“Job creation must go in line with job security, quality public services and economic policies that put people in front of profit.”
Since its founding in 1920, the PSA has been standing as a pillar of civil servant strength.
“For 105 years, the Coalition of Choices has been determined to defend and improve the conditions of workers across the public sector,” the PSA said.
The union's continued efforts include:
To promote investments to protect and strengthen collective bargaining, to protect and strengthen public bargaining, to demand permanent employment and job security from vulnerable contract workers, to seek investments to seek gender equality, comprehensive leadership, eradication of workplace discrimination, to eradicate safe, healthy and dignified working conditions, and to improve investments in public infrastructure investments.
Workers' rights are human rights.
The PSA said it is firm in its commitment to linking the pursuit of living wages, decent work and workplace safety to a broader movement for social, economic, gender and climate justice.
“On Workers' Day 2025, PSA pays tribute to all civil servants who continue to bring about dedication and integrity even in the face of adversity,” the union said.
“PSA will celebrate 2025 for workers along with members of Midelberg, Mpumalanga.
