Associated Documents:-  

• Declaration of Organised Labour on priorities for 2007-8
• Declaration of Organised Labour on priorities for 2006-7

Organised Labour

Organised Labour comprise mainly of the three major trade union federations in South Africa, whose affiliates represent a broad spectrum of industry: the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) and the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu). These three federations form the labour constituency at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).

The three federations combine their efforts to develop common negotiating and policy positions, coordinate their input at Nedlac through the constituency office and regulate their internal affairs through the labour caucus. Labour's involvement has resulted in the adoption of many joint statements and positions, both by Nedlac, as well as within labour.

They have also embarked on joint campaigns, including demonstrations against amendments to the Labour Relations Act. Labour has worked on job creation projects primarily through the Labour Job Creation Trust (LJCT), founded by Cosatu, Fedusa and Nactu at the Presidential Job Summit of 1998 and funded by the donation of one day's pay by millions of union members. This is an ongoing project.

The Overall Convenor of the labour constituency is Bheki Ntshalintshali, and the Nedlac Chamber Convenors for organised labour are: Tony Ehrenreich (Trade & Industry Chamber); Jan Mahlangu (Public Finance & Monetary Policy Chamber); Mduduzi Mbongwe (Labour Market Chamber), and Sibusiso Gumede - acting in (Development Chamber). The Coordinator in the Labour Constituency Office is Moose Gulabbhai.

Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) [www.cosatu.org.za]

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is the biggest of the country's three main labour federations, with a combined membership of about 1.8 million workers grouped into 21 affiliated trade unions.

COSATU was established in November 1985 following the merger from industry-based unions from the Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU) and community-centred unions affiliated to the United Democratic Front (UDF), as well as several other independent unions. COSATU believes in non-racialism, worker control and international worker solidarity. It also subscribes to the principles of "one industry, one union" and "one country, one federation".

When political parties were unbanned in 1990, Cosatu entered into negotiations with the ANC and the SACP aimed at cementing their strategic alliance, which culminated in a formally constituted new tripartite alliance in May 1990.

The General Secretary of Cosatu is Zwelinzima Vavi and the President is S'dumo Dlamini. The other Cosatu National Office Bearers are: Bheki Ntshalintshali (Deputy General Secretary); Tjotjo James (First Deputy President); Zingiswa Losi (Second Deputy president); and Freda Oosthuysen (Treasurer General).

Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa)   [www.fedusa.org.za]

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) is the country's second-largest federation, with about 380 000 members organised into 20 affiliates.

Fedusa was formed in 1997 following a merger between the Federation of South African Labour Unions (Fedsal) and the Federation of Organisations Representing Civil Servants (Force). Fedusa is an independent non-aligned federation and its affiliates range from small craft or professionally-based associations to large sector-based trade unions.

The General Secretary of Fedusa is Dennis George and the President is Danie Carstens. The other Fedusa National Office Bearers are: Gretchen Humphries (Deputy General Secretary); Koos Bezuidenhout (Deputy President); Lauretha Rudolph (Vice President - Gender); Dana De Villiers (Vice President - Finance); Ashley Benjamin (Vice President - Development).

National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu)       [www.nactu.org.za]

The National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu) is South Africa's third-largest federation, comprising 19 affiliate unions with a combined membership of more than 300 000.

Nactu was formed in October 1986 and was the outcome of the amalgamation of the Azanian Confederation of Trade Unions (Azactu) and the Council of Unions of South Africa (Cusa).

Nactu's General Secretary is Manene Samela and the President is Joseph Maqhekeni. The other Nactu National Office Bearers are: Puseletso Tsukulu-Motsohi (Vice President - International Affairs); Maggie Makgoba (Second Vice President); Dorothy Marais (Third Vice President); Phumela Zenzile (Treasurer); Iqbal Khan (Deputy Treasurer).