Resolutions Adopted by the Inaugural Central Committee Meeting - In Defence of our Jobs and for Job Creation
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1998-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106321 , vital:32631
- Description: The 6th National Congress delegated to this Central Committee all socioeconomic resolutions. The powers of this Central Committee on socio-economic issues is therefore equal to those of the National Congress. This means it can change any socio-economic policy of the federation. Once policy is adopted by the Central Committee it can only be changed by the next National Congress in the year 2000. This document attempts to integrate the resolutions received from affiliates with the other policy positions of the federation as adopted at the previous policy conferences (1992 Economic Policy Conference, 1993 Health and Safety Conference, 1995 Health, Safety and Environment Conference, 1996 Living Wage Conference and May 1997 Policy Conference).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-06
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1998-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106321 , vital:32631
- Description: The 6th National Congress delegated to this Central Committee all socioeconomic resolutions. The powers of this Central Committee on socio-economic issues is therefore equal to those of the National Congress. This means it can change any socio-economic policy of the federation. Once policy is adopted by the Central Committee it can only be changed by the next National Congress in the year 2000. This document attempts to integrate the resolutions received from affiliates with the other policy positions of the federation as adopted at the previous policy conferences (1992 Economic Policy Conference, 1993 Health and Safety Conference, 1995 Health, Safety and Environment Conference, 1996 Living Wage Conference and May 1997 Policy Conference).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-06
Report on the COSATU national workshop on the code of conduct for investors in a post-apartheid South Africa
- COSATU
Recruiters Guidelines
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109753 , vital:33186
- Description: The purpose of this booklet is to touch in number of areas, which are important at this point for the recruitment campaign of the federation. It is not meant even by implication to provide details of how to handle the campaign what it does is to highlight issues and areas that we must think in the preparation for this campaign. More importantly is the fact that COSATU remains the biggest federation in South Africa and fastest growing international. Beside a loss of membership from + 2 million to + 1.8 million members. The decrease in membership is mostly because of retrenchments. The well known fact is that only about 40% of the workforce that is unionized. The aim of the recruitment drive is to access this 60% that is not unionized. The mistake must not be committed to think that the 40%, which is unionized, belong to COSATU. There are two other federations plus number of non-affiliated unions. Our commitment to One Country One Federation does not stop us to recruit from other unions as long as we remain under different bodies. This October campaign coincides with Red October campaign of the SACP and Health and Safety month of the federation this must be seen as strength than lack of co-ordination. One area that is link to recruitment is the servicing of membership. It is useless to recruit and fail to service membership because every campaign that we will take around recruitment we may find ourselves had to fight with disgruntled members and obviously it will be difficult to attract new members. This must say to us that members come first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109753 , vital:33186
- Description: The purpose of this booklet is to touch in number of areas, which are important at this point for the recruitment campaign of the federation. It is not meant even by implication to provide details of how to handle the campaign what it does is to highlight issues and areas that we must think in the preparation for this campaign. More importantly is the fact that COSATU remains the biggest federation in South Africa and fastest growing international. Beside a loss of membership from + 2 million to + 1.8 million members. The decrease in membership is mostly because of retrenchments. The well known fact is that only about 40% of the workforce that is unionized. The aim of the recruitment drive is to access this 60% that is not unionized. The mistake must not be committed to think that the 40%, which is unionized, belong to COSATU. There are two other federations plus number of non-affiliated unions. Our commitment to One Country One Federation does not stop us to recruit from other unions as long as we remain under different bodies. This October campaign coincides with Red October campaign of the SACP and Health and Safety month of the federation this must be seen as strength than lack of co-ordination. One area that is link to recruitment is the servicing of membership. It is useless to recruit and fail to service membership because every campaign that we will take around recruitment we may find ourselves had to fight with disgruntled members and obviously it will be difficult to attract new members. This must say to us that members come first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Recruiters Guidelines
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137210 , vital:37498
- Description: The purpose of this booklet is to touch in number of areas, which are important at this point for the recruitment campaign of the federation. It is not meant even by implication to provide details of how to handle the campaign what it does is to highlight issues and areas that we must think in the preparation for this campaign. More importantly is the fact that COSATU remains the biggest federation in South Africa and fastest growing international. Beside a loss of membership from + 2 million to + 1.8 million members. The decrease in membership is mostly because of retrenchments. The well known fact is that only about 40% of the workforce that is unionized. The aim of the recruitment drive is to access this 60% that is not unionized. The mistake must not be committed to think that the 40%, which is unionized, belong to COSATU. There are two other federations plus number of non-affiliated unions. Our commitment to One Country One Federation does not stop us to recruit from other unions as long as we remain under different bodies. This October campaign coincides with Red October campaign of the SACP and Health and Safety month of the federation this must be seen as strength than lack of co-ordination. One area that is link to recruitment is the servicing of membership. It is useless to recruit and fail to service membership because every campaign that we will take around recruitment we may find ourselves had to fight with disgruntled members and obviously it will be difficult to attract new members. This must say to us that members come first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137210 , vital:37498
- Description: The purpose of this booklet is to touch in number of areas, which are important at this point for the recruitment campaign of the federation. It is not meant even by implication to provide details of how to handle the campaign what it does is to highlight issues and areas that we must think in the preparation for this campaign. More importantly is the fact that COSATU remains the biggest federation in South Africa and fastest growing international. Beside a loss of membership from + 2 million to + 1.8 million members. The decrease in membership is mostly because of retrenchments. The well known fact is that only about 40% of the workforce that is unionized. The aim of the recruitment drive is to access this 60% that is not unionized. The mistake must not be committed to think that the 40%, which is unionized, belong to COSATU. There are two other federations plus number of non-affiliated unions. Our commitment to One Country One Federation does not stop us to recruit from other unions as long as we remain under different bodies. This October campaign coincides with Red October campaign of the SACP and Health and Safety month of the federation this must be seen as strength than lack of co-ordination. One area that is link to recruitment is the servicing of membership. It is useless to recruit and fail to service membership because every campaign that we will take around recruitment we may find ourselves had to fight with disgruntled members and obviously it will be difficult to attract new members. This must say to us that members come first.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Press alert on the COSATU recruitment drive campaign
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 1998
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112684 , vital:33638
- Description: Members of the Press are invited to a high profile public launch of the COSATU Autumn Offensive Recruitment campaign that will be held on Monday 23 March 1998 at CNR Old Verneeniging and Jacobs Street, Alrode in Alberton - Gauteng at 12noon. In attendance will be members of the COSATU Executive Committee led by President John Gomomo, the ANC and SACP leadership. An invitation has been extended to comrades Thabo Mbeki and Charles Nqakula to speak at the launch.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 1998
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Mar 1998
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112684 , vital:33638
- Description: Members of the Press are invited to a high profile public launch of the COSATU Autumn Offensive Recruitment campaign that will be held on Monday 23 March 1998 at CNR Old Verneeniging and Jacobs Street, Alrode in Alberton - Gauteng at 12noon. In attendance will be members of the COSATU Executive Committee led by President John Gomomo, the ANC and SACP leadership. An invitation has been extended to comrades Thabo Mbeki and Charles Nqakula to speak at the launch.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Mar 1998
Presidential address - Second National Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135354 , vital:37259
- Description: Comrade delegates International and local guests Friends and compatriots I wish to welcome you to COSATU's Second National Congress This Congress is taking place at a time when the conflict between the forces trying to maintain the system and the forces of social progress is hotter then ever; when masses of our people are in a state of near permanent upsurge and when nearly everyone is now realising that the apparent iron fortress of the ruling class is breaking down. As we are meeting today, we are doing so united by the deep-seated feeling that victory is certain. Because of that, we must be clear that our Congress is an important milestone in our march towards our total freedom. With unity and clarity of purpose, we must deliberate on all the issues that are put before this Congress and take such decisions as are necessary to take the struggles of the working class in particular, and of the mass democratic movement in general, forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135354 , vital:37259
- Description: Comrade delegates International and local guests Friends and compatriots I wish to welcome you to COSATU's Second National Congress This Congress is taking place at a time when the conflict between the forces trying to maintain the system and the forces of social progress is hotter then ever; when masses of our people are in a state of near permanent upsurge and when nearly everyone is now realising that the apparent iron fortress of the ruling class is breaking down. As we are meeting today, we are doing so united by the deep-seated feeling that victory is certain. Because of that, we must be clear that our Congress is an important milestone in our march towards our total freedom. With unity and clarity of purpose, we must deliberate on all the issues that are put before this Congress and take such decisions as are necessary to take the struggles of the working class in particular, and of the mass democratic movement in general, forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
Political Economy - South Africa in crisis
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117195 , vital:34487
- Description: THE Central Executive Committee of COSATU took a decision in 1986 that active discussion and study of the South African economy was a priority. This decision was prompted by the very serious problems of unemployment, retrenchment, inflation and poverty that we now face. It was also prompted by an understanding that organised workers must be able to propose and fight for solutions to these problems. In addition sanctions are now becoming a reality. The need to thoroughly understand the economy is even more urgent. One of the biggest problems for any person trying to understand the South African economy is the question: Through whose eyes do we study it? We can look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalists or we can look at it through the eyes of workers. Depending on which set of eyes we use, we’ll see a very different picture. The newspapers, radio, TV and education system all look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalist. They talk of economic laws* which are efficient and benefit everyone. And when the economy goes into a recession* or into a crisis* they argue that the economic laws are being interfered with. They want people to think that the economy is something controlled by laws that workers cannot change. In this booklet on the South African economy we will look at the economy through the eyes of workers. We will see how politics and economics have combined to the benefit of the capitalists. In doing this we will undertake a study of the political economy * of South Africa. The aim of this booklet is to provide a starting point for a study of the South African political economy. We will be looking back into our history to understand the very close link between politics and economics. The purpose of such a political economy study is to allow us to better understand just how serious the present crisis is. Being clearer on this will also allow us to begin discussing the real and effective solutions to the crisis. This is important because many of the solutions being proposed at present will benefit capitalism but will lead to small changes for the mass of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: July 1987
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117195 , vital:34487
- Description: THE Central Executive Committee of COSATU took a decision in 1986 that active discussion and study of the South African economy was a priority. This decision was prompted by the very serious problems of unemployment, retrenchment, inflation and poverty that we now face. It was also prompted by an understanding that organised workers must be able to propose and fight for solutions to these problems. In addition sanctions are now becoming a reality. The need to thoroughly understand the economy is even more urgent. One of the biggest problems for any person trying to understand the South African economy is the question: Through whose eyes do we study it? We can look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalists or we can look at it through the eyes of workers. Depending on which set of eyes we use, we’ll see a very different picture. The newspapers, radio, TV and education system all look at the economy through the eyes of the capitalist. They talk of economic laws* which are efficient and benefit everyone. And when the economy goes into a recession* or into a crisis* they argue that the economic laws are being interfered with. They want people to think that the economy is something controlled by laws that workers cannot change. In this booklet on the South African economy we will look at the economy through the eyes of workers. We will see how politics and economics have combined to the benefit of the capitalists. In doing this we will undertake a study of the political economy * of South Africa. The aim of this booklet is to provide a starting point for a study of the South African political economy. We will be looking back into our history to understand the very close link between politics and economics. The purpose of such a political economy study is to allow us to better understand just how serious the present crisis is. Being clearer on this will also allow us to begin discussing the real and effective solutions to the crisis. This is important because many of the solutions being proposed at present will benefit capitalism but will lead to small changes for the mass of the people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1987
Planning for a new South Africa
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135328 , vital:37258
- Description: COSATU has adopted the Freedom Charter. But if we look carefully at the Freedom Charter, nowhere does it say how everyone will share in the country’s wealth. This Is because a Chartrr is a statement of beliefs and a guide to policy. It is not a detailed programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135328 , vital:37258
- Description: COSATU has adopted the Freedom Charter. But if we look carefully at the Freedom Charter, nowhere does it say how everyone will share in the country’s wealth. This Is because a Chartrr is a statement of beliefs and a guide to policy. It is not a detailed programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Newsletter of COSATU and UDF Natal regions - Peace meeting in jeopardy
- Authors: COSATU, UDF
- Date: Sep 1989
- Subjects: COSATU, UDF
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135425 , vital:37265
- Description: COSATU and UDF say, A climate for creating peace is slowly being established. But at the same time, a number of anti-peace forces are working to undermine our efforts. For years the police have been fanning the violence in Natal. In 1987 when peace talks with Inkatha were taking place they detained our leaders - thus sabotaging the peace talks. Throughout South Africa, the state has created and supported vigilante groups aimed at destroying progressive organisations. Now, after all the harm they have caused, they are trying to take credit for the peace that has recently been established in Tshongweni. In Mpumalanga, members of the Special Branch are attempting to hold peace talks with members of our organisations. We say that the police cannot be the agent of lasting peace. Peace will only come about when the organisations which are most affected come together and decide how peace can be enforced. The recent police shootings at Natal University, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and other areas remind us thgt the police are prepared to kill to save apartheid.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1989
- Authors: COSATU, UDF
- Date: Sep 1989
- Subjects: COSATU, UDF
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135425 , vital:37265
- Description: COSATU and UDF say, A climate for creating peace is slowly being established. But at the same time, a number of anti-peace forces are working to undermine our efforts. For years the police have been fanning the violence in Natal. In 1987 when peace talks with Inkatha were taking place they detained our leaders - thus sabotaging the peace talks. Throughout South Africa, the state has created and supported vigilante groups aimed at destroying progressive organisations. Now, after all the harm they have caused, they are trying to take credit for the peace that has recently been established in Tshongweni. In Mpumalanga, members of the Special Branch are attempting to hold peace talks with members of our organisations. We say that the police cannot be the agent of lasting peace. Peace will only come about when the organisations which are most affected come together and decide how peace can be enforced. The recent police shootings at Natal University, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and other areas remind us thgt the police are prepared to kill to save apartheid.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Sep 1989
News Congress
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135304 , vital:37256
- Description: Impelasonto kaNovember 29 kuya kuDecember 1 yabona ukuphakanyiswa kwefederation yezinyunyana zabasebenzi bezimboni enkulu kunazo zonke emlandweni wabasebenzi baseSouth Africa. ICongress of South African Trade Unions inamalunga akhokha kahle awu-449679 kuzo zonke izimboni ezisemqoka kulelizwe ngaphandle kwemboni yezolimo. Kodwa kulesikhashana esizayo izogqugquzelwa nemboni yezolimo, njengoba uCOSATU athatha isinqumo ekugcotshweni kweCongress sokwelekelela ngezimali ekuququzeleni izimboni zezolimo lezikahulumeni.
- Full Text:
- Authors: COSATU
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135304 , vital:37256
- Description: Impelasonto kaNovember 29 kuya kuDecember 1 yabona ukuphakanyiswa kwefederation yezinyunyana zabasebenzi bezimboni enkulu kunazo zonke emlandweni wabasebenzi baseSouth Africa. ICongress of South African Trade Unions inamalunga akhokha kahle awu-449679 kuzo zonke izimboni ezisemqoka kulelizwe ngaphandle kwemboni yezolimo. Kodwa kulesikhashana esizayo izogqugquzelwa nemboni yezolimo, njengoba uCOSATU athatha isinqumo ekugcotshweni kweCongress sokwelekelela ngezimali ekuququzeleni izimboni zezolimo lezikahulumeni.
- Full Text:
New Labour Bill attacks workers rights
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: June 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Afrikaans
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135293 , vital:37255
- Description: The new Labour Relations Bill is a fundamental attack on many of the rights that workers have won over the past ten years. Just a few years ago the bosses and the government were complaining that unions are going on too many illegal strikes. Now that unions are more and more going on legal strikes, they want to make it as difficult as possible for unions to strike legally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: June 1997
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: June 1997
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English, Afrikaans
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/135293 , vital:37255
- Description: The new Labour Relations Bill is a fundamental attack on many of the rights that workers have won over the past ten years. Just a few years ago the bosses and the government were complaining that unions are going on too many illegal strikes. Now that unions are more and more going on legal strikes, they want to make it as difficult as possible for unions to strike legally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: June 1997
Negotiations Bulletin - Workers speak with one voice
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137411 , vital:37521
- Description: Almost two million organised workers from COSATU, NACTU and FEDSAL are speaking with one voice on the Labour Relations Bill. The country’s three major federations have identified a number of areas in the draft LRA that need to be dealt with for the benefit of all workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1995
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: May 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137411 , vital:37521
- Description: Almost two million organised workers from COSATU, NACTU and FEDSAL are speaking with one voice on the Labour Relations Bill. The country’s three major federations have identified a number of areas in the draft LRA that need to be dealt with for the benefit of all workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: May 1995
Negotiations Bulletin - The story of our taxes
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: April 1996
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137556 , vital:37537
- Description: IN SOUTH AFRICA two kinds of taxes are imposed by the tax authorities, namely direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are those that are levied directly on the income and wealth of companies and individuals. Examples of direct taxes are personal income taxes paid by salaried employees and taxation paid on company profits. Indirect taxes are those taxes levied not directly on income earned, but on certain transactions. Examples of indirect taxes are value added taxation, customs and excise duties and transfer duties. The power to levy taxation rests with the central government. It is thus government’s responsibility to ensure that a taxation structure and balance is achieved that would not only meet its budget requirements but also be fair and acceptable to its constituents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: April 1996
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: April 1996
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137556 , vital:37537
- Description: IN SOUTH AFRICA two kinds of taxes are imposed by the tax authorities, namely direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are those that are levied directly on the income and wealth of companies and individuals. Examples of direct taxes are personal income taxes paid by salaried employees and taxation paid on company profits. Indirect taxes are those taxes levied not directly on income earned, but on certain transactions. Examples of indirect taxes are value added taxation, customs and excise duties and transfer duties. The power to levy taxation rests with the central government. It is thus government’s responsibility to ensure that a taxation structure and balance is achieved that would not only meet its budget requirements but also be fair and acceptable to its constituents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: April 1996
Negotiations Bulletin - COSATU's new bulletin
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1993
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137578 , vital:37539
- Description: Welcome to our new COSATU Negotiations Bulletin. This will be a regular Bulletin giving you information about the different negotiating forums COSATU is involved in. In this Negotiations Bulletin we look at COSATU’s internal structures dealing with negotiations, the different forums COSATU is negotiating in, and the National Economic Forum’s (NEF) first vary report back on agreements reached.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1993
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1993
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137578 , vital:37539
- Description: Welcome to our new COSATU Negotiations Bulletin. This will be a regular Bulletin giving you information about the different negotiating forums COSATU is involved in. In this Negotiations Bulletin we look at COSATU’s internal structures dealing with negotiations, the different forums COSATU is negotiating in, and the National Economic Forum’s (NEF) first vary report back on agreements reached.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1993
Negotiations Bulletin - A new era in labour relations
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137567 , vital:37538
- Description: IN FEBRUARY 1995, Comrade Tito Mboweni published for comment and negotiations, a draft Labour Relations Bill, prepared by the Ministerial Task Team led by Halton Cheadle. The initial reactions of both business and labour were generally favourable to the Bill. We indicated that, at a glance, the Bill represented a major shift in industrial relations, an advance in our struggle and that its basic structure had many positive elements. We also indicated that some areas needed reworking and radical changes. By the end of April, labour was ready with its positions. These had been agreed upon by Cosatu’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) and in further discussions with Fedsal and Nactu. These positions were published on May Day and presented to business and the government on 4 May. Business was either not ready by then, or had made a decision to delay the process. Throughout the negotiations process, they did not table any constructive proposals. Instead they labeled ours as unworkable and unreasonable. The same approach was adopted by most of the commercial media. By the end of May it was clear to all of us that, short of a massive programme of mass action, mobilisation of the international trade union movement and a new approach to the negotiations, we were not going to have the Bill ready by this year. The result was massive marches and stay aways on 6 and 19 June. Business responded with an advertisement in all major newspapers’ claiming to have accepted the Bill. They even misrepresented Tito’s speech at the launch of the Bill. This was a sign of desperation on their part. A new round of negotiations started again on 21 June 1995 with a series of trilateral negotiations culminating in the Nedlac Agreement of 19 July. While labour was satisfied with most of the issues, we had reservations on the way some of the issues were resolved or captured. We nonetheless agreed that the process of drafting the agreements into law should begin, to ensure that the bill went through parliament before the end of the 1995 sitting, which was scheduled to rise on 15 September. We now have a new law, which, as 1 have indicated earlier, represents a victory for labour and brings in a new era of industrial relations. Most of the issues on which we had reservations, have been resolved either through drafting or the parliamentary process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1995
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Oct 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137567 , vital:37538
- Description: IN FEBRUARY 1995, Comrade Tito Mboweni published for comment and negotiations, a draft Labour Relations Bill, prepared by the Ministerial Task Team led by Halton Cheadle. The initial reactions of both business and labour were generally favourable to the Bill. We indicated that, at a glance, the Bill represented a major shift in industrial relations, an advance in our struggle and that its basic structure had many positive elements. We also indicated that some areas needed reworking and radical changes. By the end of April, labour was ready with its positions. These had been agreed upon by Cosatu’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) and in further discussions with Fedsal and Nactu. These positions were published on May Day and presented to business and the government on 4 May. Business was either not ready by then, or had made a decision to delay the process. Throughout the negotiations process, they did not table any constructive proposals. Instead they labeled ours as unworkable and unreasonable. The same approach was adopted by most of the commercial media. By the end of May it was clear to all of us that, short of a massive programme of mass action, mobilisation of the international trade union movement and a new approach to the negotiations, we were not going to have the Bill ready by this year. The result was massive marches and stay aways on 6 and 19 June. Business responded with an advertisement in all major newspapers’ claiming to have accepted the Bill. They even misrepresented Tito’s speech at the launch of the Bill. This was a sign of desperation on their part. A new round of negotiations started again on 21 June 1995 with a series of trilateral negotiations culminating in the Nedlac Agreement of 19 July. While labour was satisfied with most of the issues, we had reservations on the way some of the issues were resolved or captured. We nonetheless agreed that the process of drafting the agreements into law should begin, to ensure that the bill went through parliament before the end of the 1995 sitting, which was scheduled to rise on 15 September. We now have a new law, which, as 1 have indicated earlier, represents a victory for labour and brings in a new era of industrial relations. Most of the issues on which we had reservations, have been resolved either through drafting or the parliamentary process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1995
NEDLAC and the goals of labour
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176145 , vital:42663
- Description: The launch of NEDLAC offers a unique opportunity to our country - a chance to rebuild the economy and society through a consensus forged among workers, investors, government and the community. The road to that consensus will, no doubt, be stormy and rocky. You cannot bring together Jabu Xulu, earning R200.00 per week, after working for 15 years, with a family of five to feed; and John Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of a major conglomerate, earning R20 000.00 per week, and expect that it will be a calm and easy process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176145 , vital:42663
- Description: The launch of NEDLAC offers a unique opportunity to our country - a chance to rebuild the economy and society through a consensus forged among workers, investors, government and the community. The road to that consensus will, no doubt, be stormy and rocky. You cannot bring together Jabu Xulu, earning R200.00 per week, after working for 15 years, with a family of five to feed; and John Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of a major conglomerate, earning R20 000.00 per week, and expect that it will be a calm and easy process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
Namibian workers organise
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/139645 , vital:37762
- Description: In 1987, long before Namibian independence was even on the agenda, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) decided to produce a joint book on the Namibian trade union movement. At that stage the Namibian trade unions had just begun to assert themselves. The idea of the book was to provide information useful for both Namibian and South African workers on the history of the working class struggle in Namibia. It was hoped that this would help to build a powerful working class solidarity between South African and Namibian workers. The International Labour Research and Information Group (ILRIG) - a research and educational service organisation specialising in working class struggles internationally — was commissioned by COSATU and NUNW to research, write and produce the book. Work on the book started in 1988. Between then and May 1989, two ILRIG workers visited Namibia a number of times - once with comrades from COSATU - and gathered a vast amount of information on the struggle in Namibia. Information came from workers, from trade unionists, from SWAPO, from documents and from observation. At all times in the process of writing the book, material was referred back to COSATU and NUNW for discussion and approval. The final chapter on solidarity was done at the end of August 1989, when a delegation of COSATU leaders visited Namibia to discuss setting up a permanent Working Committee with the NUNW. The book is coming at a time when Namibia is about to achieve her independence from South African colonial occupation under UN Resolution 435. The Namibian workers’ struggle for a living wage, for the right to strike, for decent houses, for jobs for all and against privatisation will not end with independence. The need for strengthening and extending trade union organisation in Namibia will not end with independence. The necessity for building solidarity between the Namibian and South African working class will not end with independence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/139645 , vital:37762
- Description: In 1987, long before Namibian independence was even on the agenda, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) decided to produce a joint book on the Namibian trade union movement. At that stage the Namibian trade unions had just begun to assert themselves. The idea of the book was to provide information useful for both Namibian and South African workers on the history of the working class struggle in Namibia. It was hoped that this would help to build a powerful working class solidarity between South African and Namibian workers. The International Labour Research and Information Group (ILRIG) - a research and educational service organisation specialising in working class struggles internationally — was commissioned by COSATU and NUNW to research, write and produce the book. Work on the book started in 1988. Between then and May 1989, two ILRIG workers visited Namibia a number of times - once with comrades from COSATU - and gathered a vast amount of information on the struggle in Namibia. Information came from workers, from trade unionists, from SWAPO, from documents and from observation. At all times in the process of writing the book, material was referred back to COSATU and NUNW for discussion and approval. The final chapter on solidarity was done at the end of August 1989, when a delegation of COSATU leaders visited Namibia to discuss setting up a permanent Working Committee with the NUNW. The book is coming at a time when Namibia is about to achieve her independence from South African colonial occupation under UN Resolution 435. The Namibian workers’ struggle for a living wage, for the right to strike, for decent houses, for jobs for all and against privatisation will not end with independence. The need for strengthening and extending trade union organisation in Namibia will not end with independence. The necessity for building solidarity between the Namibian and South African working class will not end with independence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
March against privatisation
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134985 , vital:37224
- Description: Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act protects workers participating in this action against victimisation. You should leave your workplace at 13:00 and go and join the march. COSATU supports the restructuring of state-owned enterprises and local government to improve their capacity to deliver basic services. We want a strong government to build our economy to provide jobs and improve our lives. But privatisation will NOT help achieve these ends
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1991
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: Aug 1991
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134985 , vital:37224
- Description: Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act protects workers participating in this action against victimisation. You should leave your workplace at 13:00 and go and join the march. COSATU supports the restructuring of state-owned enterprises and local government to improve their capacity to deliver basic services. We want a strong government to build our economy to provide jobs and improve our lives. But privatisation will NOT help achieve these ends
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Aug 1991