Saftu concerned by the continued deterioration of working-class living standards [SOUND]

# The South African Federation of Trade Unions says it is alarmed at the ongoing rise in the cost of living and the consequent erosion of working-class living standards. A recent Debt Rescue South Africa survey reveals that households are being forced to cut back on essentials such as food and transport simply to keep the lights on. Saftu’s spokesperson, Newton Masuku, says this crisis deepens even before the 12.7-percent electricity tariff and 0.5-percent value-added tax increases come into effect: