TENS of thousands are expected to swell the ranks of striking metalworkers in South Africa today, with miners joining a national “stay-away” call issued by the country’s largest trade union confederation.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) called for a “socio-economic national strike” marking today’s Global Day for Decent Work, with South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers throwing its weight behind the action.

Cosatu called on its members in mining, energy, construction and metalworking to support the action, either by joining the rallies or by staying at home.