South Africa undertakers on strike amid Coronavirus

About 3,000 undertakers have gone on strike in South Africa demanding better pay and working conditions.

They are refusing to collect bodies from homes and hospitals – and to hold burials.

Their union is calling for the government to set up a coronavirus relief fund.

The cost of burials and cremations has increased by up to 25% since the beginning of the pandemic, due to the need for personal protective equipment, sanitiser and other items.

The authorities say they are worried that the strike will cause significant risk to public health.

Source: bbc.com