The Shopsteward COSATU 35th Anniversary - The official publication of the Congress of South African Trade Unions
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the Shopsteward
Volume 30.1 COSATU 35th Anniversary Special Digital Edition
The official publication of the Congress of South African Trade Unions
COSATU
ANNIVERSARY
35 Years of Militant Working Class Struggle! 1
Editorial COSATU 35th Anniversary
Bheki Ntshalintshali - Editor in Chief
t
he Congress of South through political processes, as and unprepared and workers garages, hotels, transport, and
African Trade Unions well as mass mobilisation. As in South Africa have been the agricultural sectors have not
is celebrating 35 years we reflect on the three decades most heavily impacted. been complying with the UI Act.
of non-stop struggle and half of our existence, This reflects the poverty The UI Act requires all
against exploitation in pursuit of we need to recognise our wages workers are paid, high employers to register their
social emancipation of both the achievements, without masking levels of inequality, lack of access employees for the UIF and to
workers and the working-class our setbacks. to decent healthcare, resulting pay their monthly employer and
This is a momentous occasion In this copy of the levels of low immunities due employee contributions. This is
for the federation because Shopsteward Magazine, we to the prevalence of infectious worse for domestic workers who
it allows us to reflect on our take a look at some of those diseases e.g. tuberculosis, often have multiple employers.
past achievements, reflect on achievements and also reflect diabetes, HIV/AIDS etc, and The challenge going forward
our challenges and reaffirm on the plan ahead including extreme overcrowding in most is to address the issue of job
our commitments to waging the Collective Bargaining townships. Over the past nine losses, vulnerable workers
a relentless struggle against Campaign and Organising months we have all been and the so called new normal.
exploitation. Conference held late last year. dealing with Covid-19 , a health The unilateral closure of the UIF
crisis unlike any previous health TERS Fund as a huge mistake
The voice of organised All of this is happening crisis. This has been worrying and we need to see it corrected
workers has consistently been in the midst of a health and for South Africa given our pre- soon, especially now with the
felt since the federation was economic crisis as a result of existing health challenges, the second wave of infections
born 35 years ago on a wide the COVID-19 pandemic that poor state of public healthcare and the Alert level 3 lockdown
range of policy, legislative has led to millions of job losses. institutions and unaffordability of having been introduced.
and political issues. Workers We believe that this crisis period private healthcare.
have achieved concrete we are living in poses serious The COVID-19 inspired
victories, partial gains and dangers for the workers and COSATU welcomed the economic crisis has exposed
sometimes they have had to the working class. At this critical lockdown and the speed with and shown the limits of
defend progressive measures period, the role of the labour which government moved to capitalism. This is also a crisis
introduced by government. movement is to study, analyse implement it. It was critical to of neoliberal policies. This whole
While there have also been the emerging developments lowering the surge in infections situation creates a serious risk
some setbacks, interventions and then strategise for a and deaths and to avoid for the rights of workers.
by the organisation have coherent and efficient response overwhelming our healthcare In response to this crisis,
disrupted the progress that has to these developments. institutions before they were big capital is manoeuvring to
been made by anti-worker and The current period is ready. This was not an easy strengthen the exploitative
anti-poor forces. characterised by economic choice for workers as many system of capitalism, to acquire
inequality, stagnant wages, companies in the private new impetus and use the
All of this has happened in a massive unemployment, sector implement the no crisis to gain more profits for
rapidly changing, and constantly deepening poverty, and the work, no pay principle. Many themselves and create more
evolving environment and the accumulation of enormous companies depend upon daily wealth concentration as a
federation has had to learn wealth by the few elites. earnings to pay workers and result. All of this is done at the
to adapt to different terrains No one in South Africa, or the remain viable. It has become expense of workers through the
to advance its positions. world, could fully appreciated the clear during this crisis that intensification of exploitation.
These include, advocacy, challenges we would face last many employers especially We have already seen a rise
negotiation, engagement year. We were caught unaware in the hospitality, restaurants, in unemployment, a push
2
COSATU 35th Anniversary Editorial
for the privatisation of public that front with our recruitment technologies work for the people government since 1996.
enterprises and a serious attack campaign bringing over 120 and are not used to destroy the Our quest for a developmental
on collective bargaining and 000 members to the federation people and their livelihoods. state is continuous. The state
labour rights. last year. The COVID-19 Technologies should not be is a powerful force with a lot of
Much has been said about outbreak has shown that many imposed recklessly in a manner influence. It holds monopoly to
the 4th industrial revolution, in workers are not protected and that destroys livelihoods, jobs, tax, print money and to engage
particular the risks that it poses are open to joining unions. and communities. We need a in borrowing on behalf of the
to the jobs and livelihoods of jobs plan that will act as a guide country. It influences who has
blue- and white-collar workers Fourty hour week will and a regulatory framework. access to national productive
as well as the developmental limit the working hours to resources and also determines
opportunities it offers society. the maximum of 40 hours. We are grappling with how they are deployed and
Our challenges as unions is to This is part of our bigger drive the lack of resources used. It is within this context that
fight to make sure workers’ jobs to usher in decent work for all and government’s lack of the role of the state should be
are protected, to make sure that workers in the country.Fight preparedness when it comes understood and framed.
government and industry plan against retrenchments, this to procuring the necessary .
for a just transition, to work for involves campaigning for the Our underperforming economy The collapse of service
workers’ lives to improve. If we amendment of LRA Section has forced the government to delivery, as symbolised by
do not do that, then millions of 189 to make retrenchments borrow more money worsening public protests, can only be
workers will be thrown into the negotiable issues because our already bad public debt. traced back from the decision
unemployment line. employers currently do not South Africa’s debt levels will to push for the reduction of
have an obligation to consider exceed 100% of gross domestic the headcount of personnel
Our priority as we celebrate viable options put forward by product by 2024-25 and rise in the public service and
these 35years is to unite the the unions as this section only to almost 114% by 2028-29, the commercialisation of
working class around aims gives an obligation to consult. according to National Treasury. the State-Owned Entities in
which reflect the present-day their mode of governance.
needs. This unity should be National Minimum Wage The upcoming Budget This right-wing push for SOEs
reflected in organised struggles - we need to ensure that the Speech and will hopefully be to operate along the lines of the
based on its class interests, CCMA and the Department of used to lay the foundation private sector is the source of
starting in workplaces. The last Labour are empowered to deal of an economy and the kind the inefficiencies and corruption
congress resolved to identify the decisively with issues of non- of a development state that that we have seen.
following campaigns as priority compliance by employers on we envision and need post-
campaigns around which we implementation of the national Covid-19. One of the most This country needs a
will be mobilising the workers minimum wage. fundamental features of our capable developmental state
as part of our recruitment and Living Wage Campaign national situation has been the to implement a uniquely
organising of workers into the - this campaign should inability of our policymakers to South African developmental
Federation. be intensifying because find a solution to the systemic economic model. We fully
We remain optimistic that more workers are getting and deep existential crisis of the support our members in the
these campaigns and the impoverished due to starvation South African capitalist system. public service who are fighting
discussions that will ensue wages. The rentier monopoly back against the undermining
going forward will further Occupational Health and finance-capital that oversees of collective bargaining and
strengthen our common Safety - we need to make sure the country’s monetary policy government’s decision to
efforts to deal with the current that there are OHS committees at a distance as well as the renege on the 2018 Collective
economic crisis. Some of these in workplaces and that they are Neoliberal deep-state within agreement. The workers
priority campaigns this year functional and beneficial and government continues to resist at SABC and elsewhere
2021 are the following: that we work together with the a change of monetary policy who are engaged in a titanic
Recruitment and retention Department of Employment as evidenced by the recent struggle to save jobs should be
campaign-The mandate of the and Labour to take forward decision of the Monetary supported by all of us. Unity is
congress was to organise the campaigns for safety in the Policy Committee to leave paramount at this critical
unorganised increase trade workplace. the interests rate unchanged. moment and narrow
union membership and improve Fourth Industrial Revolution The current socio-economic sectarianism should
the service that workers get. - encompasses all of us situation reflects the class be exorcised from our
We are making progress on working to ensure that the new character of the ANC ranks.
3
COSATU 35th Anniversary
Editor's note
A 'New Normal'
is upon us - Tackling Post
COVID-19 Catastrophe!
Editor: Norman Mampane
S
ince the outbreak lockdown was about devastating environmental during the Covid-19
of COVID-19 corruption related to catastrophe.' According to pandemic. This requires
across the globe, personal protective the International Labour more investment flows,
many workers equipment, non-payment Organization, 'Global economic diversification
were hugely affected and of danger allowance labour income is estimated and greater policy space
suffered loss of wages, to the frontline and to have declined by 10.7 in the rules of the World
working time, and the essential workers, and the per cent, or US$ 3.5 trillion, Trade Organization [WTO]
extreme their jobs! undeserving individuals in the first three quarters of for vulnerable economies
benefiting from COVID-19 2020, compared with the commencing the hard work
The pandemic has Unemployment Insurance same period in 2019. of economic recovery.'
changed our world Fund Benefits, with many
in ways we could poor workers forced into This figure excludes The G20 Ministers
hardly have imagined. poverty and destitution. income support provided 'recognised the need to
Working remotely is a new through government increase the sustainability
challenge, with no labour The so-called 'new risk measures. One reason for and the resilience of
legislation available in most mitigation' introduced the estimated increases national, regional, and
companies to regulate by the Employment and in working-hour losses is global supply chains and
such an 'arrangement’, Labour is still to stand the that workers in developing to expand production
should not put workers in a test of time. and emerging economies, capacity and trade,
disadvantaged position! especially those in informal notably in the areas of
On International issues, employment, have been pharmaceutical, medical
In this edition, we cover many global unions much more affected than and other health-related
the period since the have expressed how by past crises...' products. The Ministers
declaration of Covid-19 various governments and further recognised the
as a 'pandemic' by the employers are undermining The G20 Trade importance of continuing to
World Health Organization labour rights during the Minister's virtual meeting foster women's economic
[WHO] and how did labour coronavirus outbreak. Many in September 2020 agreed empowerment with a
respond. global federations argue that 'Africa needs to deepen view to achieving global
that 'COVID-19 corner- its levels of industrialization recovery.'
The most depressing cutting measures will lead and address its 'strategic
scandal during Coronavirus to more deaths and a vulnerabilities' exposed It is not yet Uhuru!
4
KINGJAMES 51193
Now is the time to celebrate those who are gone,
but not forgotten. To immortalise men like Silumko,
a teacher who shaped the stories of the past for the
children of the future. That he also sacrificed his life
to save a young child from the sea is part of his legacy.
For the many people who can’t gather to pay their
final respects, we’ve created The Memory Collection.
To read Silumko’s story or share your memories
of a loved one who has passed, visit
thememorycollection.co.za.
Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.
5
COSATU 35th Anniversary
COSATU Profile
Elijah Barayi
As we reflect on the last 35 years of struggle, we salute the founding generation of this giant federation!
in 1949. He left Fort Ngalo; they fought back and underpayment.
Hare University and defeated them. In 1981, he met then
after struggling to NUM General Secretary
pay for his studies He linked up with Rev Cyril Ramaphosa and
and went on to Calata, a former ANC became one of the first
work as a clerk in secretary general, who miners to join the NUM.
the Department of was his mentor. He joined He was elected a NUM
Native Affairs the Defiance Campaign shaft steward and soon
in Cradock. and when the ANC was after was elected vice
H e banned in 1960, he was president of the union.
joined arrested under state of
t h e emergency provisions. During the unity talks
leading to the formation of
He spent five months COSATU, Barayi played an
in jail and after his important part in bringing
release he left the NUM, then affiliated to
Eastern Cape because CUSA, into the process.
of police harassment. In 1985, Comrade Barayi
He unsuccessfully tried to became the first president
join Umkhonto weSizwe. of COSATU until 1991.
e
His contact was arrested.
From the outset he
He went on to work as fearlessly provided
lijah Barayi was ANC Youth League in a clerk at a gold mine in defiant leadership defiant
born in 1930 1948 at the time when he Brakpan. In 1973, he got leadership that stood
in the Eastern was about to complete his a job at Blyvooruitzicht against the vile system of
Cape town JC(Grade 10). gold mine in Carltonville. apartheid. He took on the
of Cradock and was the He was elected to chair the then apartheid President
youngest of 10 children. The impetus for him mine’s liaison committee. Pik Botha and his demand
His father was a municipal joining the ANC Youth for the abolishment of the
worker, and his mother, League was preceded He was banned from pass laws was heeded by
a domestic worker. with a racist incident in running for re election the apartheid regime.
He completed his town when some racist because he had tried to He died on the 22
education at the young white boys attacked raise political issues such January 1994, but his
Healdtown Institution him and Comrade Zenzele as racial discrimination memory lives on.
6
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8
9
10
11
12
Worker Issues
1314
15
COSATU 35th Anniversary
Worker Issues
the FORMATION
of COSATU
C
OSATU was participation in the struggle empower ordinary workers. Congress resolved to merge
launched in for peace and democracy We try to develop the skills unions into cartels or broad
December 1985 Principles· To organise the and abilities of those most sectors such as public sector
after four years of unorganised · disadvantaged by apartheid. and manufacturing (see list
unity talks between unions We want workers to be of unions). We also remain
opposed to apartheid and From its inception, the equipped to determine their committed to unity with all
committed to a non-racial, federation is based on the own future in the country unions and federations that
non-sexist and democratic following core principles:· and in the economy. In a are committed to, among
South Africa. At our launch country where women have others, these principles.
we represented less than Non-racialism – COSATU been highly oppressed, At the same time, for as
half a million workers rejects apartheid and racism we are determined to long as there is no single
organised in 33 unions. in all its forms. We believe strive for gender equality federation, we have no
We currently have more than that all workers, regardless and women leadership. choice but to recruit even
two million workers, of whom of race, should organise those workers who belong to
at least 1.8 million are paid and unite. Now more than Paid-up membership – other unions and federations.
up. Even by international ever before we need to COSATU and its affiliated
standards we have been bury the apartheid legacy. unions strive for self International worker
among the fastest growing sufficiency. This means that solidarity – International
trade union movements in Worker control – while we receive money for solidarity is the lifeblood of
the world. Today when most COSATU believes that specific projects from other trade unionism – particularly
trade unions are facing a workers must control the trade unions, we remain able in the era of multinational
decline in membership, we structures and committees of to take our decisions without c o m p a n i e s . C O S AT U
have continued to grow. the federation. This approach interference from funders. maintains links with a range
aims to keep the organisation While it has not been easy, of national and international
Our main broad vibrant and dynamic, and we remain committed centres. We are committed
strategic objectives to maintain close links with to its full realisation. to building links with unions
have always been: the shop floor. We have in the newly industrialised
To improve material programmes to develop One industry, one union – countries. New international
conditions of our members worker leadership, especially one country, one federation conditions open possibilities
and of the working people women, within the trade – In order to unite workers for a unified union movement.
as a whole.· unions and the country as a across sectors, we have
whole. Through training we grouped our unions into Political Policy COSATU
To ensure worker have been able to build and industries. Our 6th National believes in a democratic
16COSATU 35th Anniversary
Worker Issues
society free of racism, sexism transformation programme employers, but based on the the International Workers
and the exploitation of the for the Alliance, based on struggles of our members. of the World marched
working class. We believe the RDP. These independent This campaign remains in support of an eight-
in a society where workers organisations also have relevant as we attempt to hour day. This started an
have full control over their separate but complementary eliminate the wage gap international tradition of
lives. We are determined to programmes. COSATU and between senior management observing a workers’ holiday
work with other democratic the SACP are also committed and workers, men and that continues to this day.
forces to do away with all to the struggle for socialism. women, and between skilled By 1986, the tradition had
forms of oppression and Socio-economic Policy and unskilled workers – the been observed for 100 years.
exploitation. Our socio-economic policy majority of whom are black While COSATU was barely
is based on the need or women. six months old, May Day
From our inception, we to eliminate economic celebrations in South Africa
have always believed in inequities and poverty in LRA – In September 1987, that year were the biggest
the need for broad fronts society and in the workplace. PW Botha’s government, at ever, with huge rallies all over
to achieve our political and the request of employers, the country. South African
socio-economic struggles. Taking into account proposed amendments to workers had embraced the
Together with the UDF and its COSATU’s rejection of the then Labour Relations day as their own. The fact
affiliates we were involved in the government’s macro- Act (LRA). The amendments that it is today part of our
struggles that brought about economic framework, the sought to emasculate the public holidays, is due to
the current dispensation. Alliance agreed that we growing union movement COSATU members.
When political organisations need a developmental, and undermine the gains
were unbanned, the ANC, macro-economic policy, made by workers since the
SACP and COSATU aligned to the needs of the 1970s. In 1988, millions VAT – COSATU’s anti-VAT
agreed to work together as country. Such a policy must of workers stayed away campaign in 1991 had far-
a Revolutionary Alliance evolve in line with these from work to press for the reaching effects. Apart from
(Tripartite Alliance, the needs, while recognising reversal of the changes winning certain short-term
Alliance). The Alliance is the real constraints we face. despite the threat of demands, it established
centered around short, No macro-economic policy dismissals by employers. labour’s right to have a say
medium to long terms is cast in stone and the In the end we had the last on macro- economic issues.
goals of the National Alliance needs to continue laugh when the regime The campaign was a good
Democratic Revolution discussions on areas where agreed to the proposed example of the power and
– the establishment of a there is disagreement. changes in 1990. Later in success of alliances on single
democratic and non-racial At the same time we should both the constitution and the issues. Groups as diverse
South Africa, economic ensure that policies enhance LRA we secured more rights as welfare organisations,
transformation and continued job security and job creation for workers. The constitution doctors’ associations and
process of political and rather than destroy jobs. and the LRA which was small business organisations
economic democratization. piloted by the ANC and were galvanised into
Campaigns opposed by the NP, DP, action by COSATU.
The 6th National Congress Some of the major IFP and the FF has been Constitution – COSATU
resolved that the Alliance campaigns of COSATU over heralded as one of the most has played a major role in
remains the only vehicle the past decade include the progressive in the world. South Africa’s transition to
capable of bringing about following: The struggle for the new democracy. We were in the
fundamental transformation LRA saw President Mandela trenches as members of
in South Africa. Living wage campaign – join thousands of workers the ANC, SACP and civics
Despite difficulties and During 1987, Cosatu in Johannesburg to press to bring about the current
challenges of the transition members were the only home the demands. dispensation. From the
including certain differences workers to win wage drawing up of the RDP to
over approaches to increases above inflation May Day is ours – the adoption of the new
macro- economic policies, rate. This was not On 1 May 1886, American Constitution, we have
we are working out a based on the goodwill of workers organised by ensured that the interests of
17COSATU 35th Anniversary
Worker Issues
the working class are central while the lock-out is not. maternity leave, child labour While the General Secretary
to the broader development etc. These successes were and Deputy General
strategy. A major victory was Basic Conditions of again in large part due to Secretary are full time
won around the exclusion Employment Act – the systematic campaign officials of the federation,
of the lock-out clause in the run by COSATU as well as the worker leaders are
Constitution, after a hard This Act is a major victory for the Alliance resolve to bring full time shopstewards.
battle led by COSATU. the South African working about real changes in the For an overview of the
class particularly the most workplace. first decade of COSATU
Despite employers’ attempt vulnerable – women, (1985 – 1995) see the
to get the Constitutional domestic and farmworkers. Leadership Based on the 10th anniversary issue
Court to reverse it, the court There are numerous areas principle of worker control, of the Shopsteward.
ruled that the right to strike is where the lives of workers the COSATU leadership is
a fundamental human right will fundamentally improve, drawn from the shopfloor.
including working hours,
Tracing the revolutionary footsteps -
The Rise of COSATU
C
OSATU was intensified repression from Union of South Africa 1982. The rebellious nature
born on the 1st the minority apartheid Constitution in 1910. of the federation came from
of December government run by the its roots, its predecessors
1985, as a result Nationalist Party, since It was for this reason that like SACTU (South African
of the culmination of 1948 . COSATU immediately Congress of Trade Unions)
painstaking and protracted after its launch became a which after its banning had
talks, which started in 1981 It was natural for the target for severe repression to operate underground
between mostly industrial, trade unions who had just from the state. Many of its and FOSATU (Federation
“anti-apartheid unions”. been recently “legalised offices countrywide were of SA Trade Unions).
This is important to point ” to conflate workplace targeted, burned down and
out this fact, because the struggles and political destroyed, its leaders were The latter, however adopted
environment, in which the liberation struggle for arrested and some even a more middle of the road,
Federation came about, masses of disenfranchised killed like Vuyisile Mine in which compromise its
was very explosive with black majority since the 1964, and Neil Aggett in political stance.
18COSATU 35th Anniversary
Worker Issues
members and 33 registered trade unions.
affiliated unions.
COSATU went on to On 2 May 1979 the Rand
become an important Daily Mail reported that the
centre of mass based Commission had called for
resistance in the 1980s "radical changes to South
and was critical in Africa's industrial relations
bringing apartheid to its system". Unions were to be
knees. allowed to organize non-
racially and black workers
Recognizing black were to be granted full
trade unions industrial participation.
Despite heavy-handed
Job reservation-which
interventions by the
had barred black workers
COSATU launch - 1st December 1985 state, unions open to
from skilled jobs-
African members grew
would be phased out.
around the country. While
Workers would become full
the state barred them from
citizens in the workplace
Once black trade unions The Rand Daily Mail charted participating in collective
even as their basic political
could participate in the formation of several bargaining and employers
rights continued to be
collective bargaining, they new unions as well as throughout the 1970s did
denied.
began to have massive attempts to form a national their best not to recognise
influence in factories and federation. The Mail also them, workers clung to
Today, COSATU continues
mines throughout the covered various issues of these unions and gave
to be a voice of reason on
country. concern to workers. In 1984 them life.
various fronts to influence
a series of articles showed
policy formulation,
As union membership the impact of lunch disease They became a stronger
implementation of
exploded in the 1980s, the on underground Mine and stronger presence in
International Labour
pages of the Rand Daily workers and particularly the many workplaces. In 1977
Standards and
Mail were filled with reports painful and deadly effects the government cracked
Fundamental Principles
of the growth of the unions, of asbestosis. and appointed the Wiehahn
in workplaces, fighting for
large scale strikes and Commission to investigate
social justice and engaging
the rising confidence of By the time COSATU was the advisability of dropping
in International Solidarity
organized labour. launched in December its requirement that African
Actions with global
1985-with half a million workers be excluded from
communities.
1
Most of these unions which had sprung up after “1973 Durban strikes” were racially based.
2
After coming to power in 1948, the Nationalist Party passed many repressive laws one of which was
3
Refer to The Wiehahnn commission, 1979
19Conference COSATU 35th Anniversary
COSATU holds Virtual National
Collective Bargaining, Organizing & Campaigns Conference
COSATU National Office Bearers participating in the first virtual National Collective
Bargaining, Organizing and Campaigns Conference
S
ince the first ways we could hardly have trade unions such as the economy, return to
March 27 National imagined. AFADWU, Taxi workers work and building a normal
Lockdown in South In South Africa, the participating for the first time. that supports the most
Africa, COSATU Congress of South African The Conference was vulnerable sectors first.
has been at the forefront, Trade Unions organized addressed by various Almost 1,6 billion informal
with targeted campaigns the first virtual National Researchers, Academia, economy workers have
on the ground to mitigate Collective Bargaining, Labour Services suffered due to the impact
against the adverse effects Organizing and Campaigns Organizations, International of Coronavirus.
of COVID19 pandemic on Conference, held under Labour Organization
In South Africa, of the
socio-economic front in the Theme, ‘The Future Specialists and the Alliance
14,7 million persons, who
society. of Collective Bargaining: partners; to reassess
were employed in Q3:2020,
COVID19 has affected In defence of Wages and the specific risks in each
7 in 10 [73,2%] were
the world in devastating Jobs’, attended by almost sector, adopt the relevant
expected to work during the
manner and the pandemic eighteen affiliated trade measures to ensure a safe
national lockdown by the
has changed our world in unions, with newly admitted and healthy reopening of
20COSATU 35th Anniversary Conference
companies or organizations Conference is, “As part of the inadequate healthcare financial institutions and
they work for. Many were heightening our Living Wage system exacerbated by National treasury to displace
found working remotely, Campaign, we will convene the lack of Comprehensive the economic resolutions of
especially managers and the Collective Bargaining Social Protection, the the ANC adopted at the 54th
professionals. Conference in 2020 where increasing poverty levels National Conference, as
It has been acknowledged we will seek practical and the widening inequality well as those contained in
than before that workers’ and creative intervention and unemployment, the 2019 National Elections
organizations are key strategies to respond to the which has reached Manifesto.
actors to protect worker changing global balance unprecedented level of over
in the most vulnerable of forces, which include 14 million people without Delegates discussed
situations in the world of the changing nature of jobs, with the majority being extensively the state of the
work, particularly when work, the 4th Industrial youth. Towards that end, alliance and acknowledged
workers have poor access revolution and reflect on the Conference paid special the challenges facing the
to labour rights and social progress made since the tribute to the thousands alliance and the immediate
justice during the period of 2013 National Collective of frontline workers, tasks ahead ranging
the pandemic. Bargaining Conference particularly the healthcare from fighting corruption,
and review the victories workers for the outstanding addressing economic
COSATU acknowledged recovery that is inclusive
and set-backs of our sacrifices and good work
that Covid19 had a and creating decent
struggles for a living Wage”. in saving lives to the point
devastating effect on work, the reversal of the
of paying the ultimate prize
human lives and livelihoods gains attained since the
of losing theirs to protect
and the need for workers’ The delegates analysed democratic breakthrough,
others. Conference further
unity of action in the country the international and including the departure
noted with dismay the
is critical as part and parcel national balance of forces from the Freedom Charter,
massive and coordinated
of the vision to build a 'One in the context of the global the Reconstruction and
attack led by capital on
Union, One Sector' principle economic crisis and the Development Programme,
collective bargaining,
of the founding Congress of generalised intensification ANC manifestoes..’
reneging on legal and valid
the Federation in 1985. of the attack on the agreements.
Setting the tone
COSATU General working class by capital.
This has been particularly Of major concern was for a successful
Secretary, Bheki Conference!
Ntshalintshali said directed at the trade union the observation that the
movement as the most ANC-led government has COSATU President,
‘The Conference built on Zingiswa Losi in the
the foundations of the organised component of bought to this idea as
the class, made worse evidenced by its stance, Opening Address to
13th National Congress of the National Collective
COSATU resolutions and by the conditions of the which not only undermine
COVID 19 pandemic in legal and valid collective Bargaining Conference,
the momentum from the Organizing and Campaigns
last Collective Bargaining an effort to maximise their bargaining agreements,
profits at the expense of the but also attempt to go to Conference said, Karl
Conference held in 2013, Marx famously words that,
which launched the working class and the poor. court to nullify such an
The obscene of capital agreement. The delegates “Workers of the world unite,
impetus for a National you have nothing to lose but
Minimum Wage (NMW) accumulation is generating understood that this attack
massive poverty, inequality on public sector workers your chains”. That rallying
and the urgency to advance call which has guided
towards a Living Wage. and underdevelopment was a launching pad to
amongst the majority.” the attack on all workers. billions of workers for over
The 13th National Congress 150 years remains as
of COSATU held in 2018 Delegates understood that
Ntshalintshali said these latest developments valid today as it was then.
expressed clearly what Workers remain as much
‘The Conference further are coordinated efforts by
the primary mission of this under threat today, not only
analysed the impact of capital, the Reserve Bank,
21Conference COSATU 35th Anniversary
here in South Africa, but large. We were in a deep public servants’ wages until following key tasks:
across the world. economic recession before 2024. Government did this • Defend and advance
Corona. We are now in without even bothering our collective
However, the one
danger of entering an to engage workers at the bargaining rights,
difference that workers
economic depression. 2.2 PSCBC. We are now including compliance
face today is that many
million jobs were lost last seeing government entities with collective
of the victories workers
quarter. Unemployment and SOEs retrenching agreements and the
have achieved since 1994
has risen from a peak of workers left and right. With right to strike
are under severe threat.
40% to 52%. little or no engagement with • Strengthen our Save &
Yes, workers must lose
workers, said Losi Create Jobs campaign,
their chains of exploitation
More jobs are likely and fight retrenchments
and abuse. But equally Resolutions taken by
to be lost. We remain a to the bitter end
thousands are losing their Conference!
world leader in inequality • Fight a relentless battle
jobs, wages, pensions, Affiliated trade unions
and poverty. The public against employers who
medical aid, rights to paid participating on the first
services that workers persist to challenge
leave, rights not to be virtual Conference from
depend upon are in varying the constitutionality
physically and sexually their offices remotely
stages of collapse. Public of the gazettal and
abused and even their rights
services are understaffed, extension of collective
to collective bargaining. Our immediate short
under resourced and agreements
over stretched. SOEs term task: Ratify ILO • Strengthen and expand
As the leadership of Convention 190 now! centralized bargaining
are heavily indebted and
COSATU we are looking In the immediate • Ensure that the National
many collapsing. Some
forward to these 3 days of period ahead, we will Minimum Wage levels
SOEs have already been
engagements. We know focus on the Ratification are urgently improved
liquidated. Thousands of
the enormous amount of of ILO Convention 190, for vulnerable workers,
their workers have been
good work that so many “Eliminating Violence and especially farm
retrenched or left unpaid.’
of our shopstewards, Harassment In the World workers.
leadership and members of Work”. In this regard, we • Ensure that the gender
have been busy with night ‘The importance of
now require government to pay gap is eradicated
and day over the past few collective bargaining has
announce a firm date when • Eradicate non-
tumultuous months. been highlighted during this
ratification will take place. compliance with
difficult period of Covid-19.
Not only do workers face collective agreements
The fact that we meet We will launch a serious • Increase the
the challenge of only 30% of rolling protest pickets in
in our first ever virtual intensity and scope
of workers falling under support of this demand at
conference is testimony of our membership
collective bargaining, but all Department of Labour
of the seriousness with recruitment campaigns
even those very institutions Provincial Offices, on every
which you are taking your • Strengthen social
of collective bargaining working day of the upcoming
mandates of defending the dialogue processes,
are under massive attack. 16 Day’s of Activism for No
gains and advancing the procedures and
The very government that Violence against Women
rights of workers and that provisions
workers of this Federation and Children, culminating
we are adjusting to the • Introduce proposals
fought for and ensured was in a protest picket at the
conditions of today.’ for more efficient
elected, has sought to attack Department of Labour and
and undermine collective case CCMA and
‘As we develop our Employment Offices in Labour Court case
bargaining by not only Pretoria.
collective bargaining unashamedly reneging on management
objectives, strategies and a signed wage agreement • Promote gender
Our other medium terms
tactics, it is critical that we for 2020 but now presenting equality through
tasks: Fight a relentless
reflect upon the economic a fait accompli to workers collective bargaining
battle to advance our other
challenges facing our by tabling a medium term • Modernise our digital
Living Wage Demands:
members, their families expenditure framework in skills and platform
and the working class at Parliament that will freeze usage deployment
We will focus on the
22COSATU 35th Anniversary Conference
• Prioritise improved programmes for to education for the poor agreements.
member service workers, and its related and the working class,
delivery provisions institutions to promote access for • Reaffirm the
• Review, strengthen and • Modernise and the visually impaired, criminalisation of
expand our collective expand the collective whilst fundamentally employers who do not
bargaining research bargaining skills protecting the rights of adhere to collective
capacity capacitation training for creative workers are agreements
• Development a series our shop stewards and signed into law.
of labour market staff • · Ensure that there Closing Address!
and employment low • Campaign for the is decent employment COSATU President,
reform proposals, to expansion of the conditions in public Zingiswa Losi concluding
help strengthen the social wage and the works programmes the virtual Conference said
collective bargaining strengthening of it • The Universal Basic ‘Our Central Committee
rights of workers institutional delivery Income Grant (UBIG) to assess the work done
• Strengthen our structures must be implemented since Congress is due
participation in the • Strengthen the health immediately as part in September 2021.
development and and safety provisions of the social security We must go to that Central
implementation of and rights at workplace framework. Committee having already
global framework level • Workers needs to put begun the roll out of the
agreements • The development of the “right to refuse demands of this historic
• Ensure that our a clear programme dangerous work” back Collective Bargaining
collective bargaining against Gender-based onto the agenda, in Conference. Workers and
outcomes promote Violence and Sexual the case where the their families are looking to
decent work harassment at the necessary Personal us to protect them, defend
• Build the capacity of workplace, including Protective Equipment their rights and improve
our affiliates to engage that affiliates must is not provided. their lives.’
in effective collective negotiate workplace • Ensure compliance
bargaining collective agreements with the COIDA Losi said ‘We have grown
• Use collective covering gender-based framework on all from strength to strength.
bargaining to promote violence and sexual aspects, including We have survived the
local procurement harassment policies emotional and tribulations of the past
• Review collective • Empowerment of labour psychological trauma. decade. We have emerged
bargaining agreements market institutions like • Affiliates are tasked to intact from the greatest
to ensure that it the CCMA, Bargaining introduce amendments pandemic in a century. It
accommodates new Councils and Labour to their collective is this fighting Federation
forms of job categories Court to effectively agreements to that made history in forcing
arising out of the take up workers cases provide for adequate government and business
changing nature of how and accelerate their protections for workers to agree to a national
work is performed effective adjudication. in the event of crisis minimum wage. It is this
• Campaign for reform • Build monitoring, such as the recent Federation that has led
to our retirement fund enforcement, and COVID-19 pandemic. the fight against corruption
landscape, to ensure inspectorate capacity wherever it rears its ugly
• Procurement policies head in both the private and
that its investment within the Department
must be amended and public sectors.
decisions and access of Labour and the
restructured to promote
in the first instance support role of StatsSA
local procurement from It is this COSATU that
benefits workers and in providing essential
only companies and stopped compulsory
the objectives of the data for bargaining.
state institutions which annuitisation and forced
working class • Ensure that the
are compliant with government to negotiate
• Strengthen our Copyright & Performers
employment laws and on comprehensive social
involvement in Rights Amendment
collective bargaining security reforms at Nedlac.
industrial skills training Bills to promote access
23Conference COSATU 35th Anniversary
It is COSATU which has home. I will not attempt lower and middle income, workers must be placed
now convinced Treasury to summarise the rich from inflation. under the UIF. Government
to agree to our pension and vibrant discussions must pay its due and extend
withdrawals proposals. It is over the past 3 days. We must ensure that the protections of the UIF to
COSATU that has led the But I must confess comrade employers pay the pension public servants. We need
nation on solutions to not leadership how pleased and medical contributions to defend the social wage
only saving Eskom but in I am to have heard you due. We need to exercise victories we have achieved.
fact the reconstruction and articulate the demands of leadership and ensure The R350 unemployment
recovery of our economy. workers in such a powerful that workers’ pensions grant must be extended.
It is COSATU which made manner.’ She said ‘On are safe and are invested Government must find the
sure that parental leave is Zoom nogal! in a manner that benefits money.’
now a law of the Republic. workers not fund managers
It is COSATU which pushed ‘Our marching orders are or politicians. We need one Losi said ‘Comrades
for the massive increase in clear comrades. Workers health and safety act for all we need to send a clear
UIF and maternity leave expect us to go all out to workers. Workers must be message to our ally the
benefits. It is our Federation defend their constitutionally allowed the right to refuse ANC. Next year is local
which has pushed enshrined rights to collective dangerous work. elections. No pamphlets
or tired slogan will convince
Section 189 workers to turn out in
of the LRA must numbers to vote for their
be amended. organisation. Workers are
Workers must tired of broken promises,
receive at least corruption, retrenchments
4 weeks pay and now government’s
for every year attacks on collective
served when bargaining.
retrenched.
Retrenchments If the ANC wants the
must be an act votes of workers then it
of last resort. must respect workers and
The fight listen to them. It must
a g a i n s t engage unions in good
retrenchments faith and stop taking them
must be at for granted. Government
Affiliated trade unions participating in the virtual the heart of must honour the 2020
Conference from their offices remotely all our work. wage agreement and
Government engage unions on the next
m u s t 3 year wage agreement.
extend the Government must deal with
government to release bargaining. This includes, UIF Covid-19 TERS until the pandemic of corruption
up to R60 billion from the to government’s shame, December 31 without fail. and wasteful expenditure
Unemployment Insurance even within the public This is workers’ money not that is collapsing the
Fund into the economy service. We need to rebuild government’s. state and many of our
during the lockdown.’ all our collective bargaining SOEs. It must deal with
councils and ensure that unemployment and build an
If government refuses,
She said ‘We are now all workers are covered inclusive economy.’
then heads must roll
seeing many unions by them. We must ensure in the Department. Forward with Class
applying to join the that both public and private The corruption and chaos Struggle!
Federation of Elijah Barayi. sector employers are made of the UIF must be dealt Forward with
We have welcomed the to honour agreements, with and not swept under Socialism!
farm and food workers including the 2020 public the carpet.’ Down with Neo-
from AFADWU, we have service wage agreement. Liberalism!
welcomed the National We must protect the wages She alluded that ‘All
Down with
Transport Movement of workers, especially the workers, including atypical
Capitalism!
24COSATU 35th Anniversary COSATU
The rise of COSATU
and how it all came to be!
t
he Congress of South in collective bargaining, Commission had called for in the economy.»
African Trade Unions employers throughout the «radical changes to South Many trade unionists
is celebrating its 35th 1970s did their best not to Africa›s industrial relations suffered many setbacks,
Anniversary since its recognize them, workers system». Unions were to with many arrested and
inception in Durban at the clung to these unions be allowed to organize non hanged by the regime but
Kings Park Stadium. and gave them life. They racially and black workers many held the fort until
became a stronger and were to be granted full South Africa was freed
After its launch, the stronger presence in many industrial participation. in 1994 after the first
federation vowed to workplaces. democratically managed
dismantle the apartheid Job reservation-which elections, where all races
regime machinery of In 1977 the government had barred black workers were allowed to vote
separate development and cracked and appointed the from skilled jobs-would for their parties to be in
segregation. In the years to Wiehahn Commission to be phased out. Workers government.
come, workers displayed investigate the advisability would become full citizens
resilience by organizing of dropping its requirement in the workplace even as The Labour Movement in
across sectors of the that African workers be their basic political rights South Africa played a key
economy. excluded from registered continued to be denied. role historically in providing
Despite heavy-handed trade unions. Workers worker’s education and
interventions by the state fought tenaciously for «The Wiehahn broader adult education
before the 1985 launch, recognition of black trade Commission on Labour initiatives and enriched
unions open to African unions! laws called for radical our understanding of
members grew around the changes in South Africa›s ‘radical pedagogy.’
country. On 2 May 1979, the industrial relations, opening
While the state barred media such as Rand Daily the way for entirely And the rest is
them from participating Mail reported that the new dispensation for black history!
25COSATU COSATU 35th Anniversary
Comrade
ELIJAH C
omrade Comrade Barayi's (COSATU) after the
E l i j a h activism is perhaps launch in Durban, at
Barayi was best described by the Curries Fountain
awarded an Vic Allen in his book, Stadium in 1985, with
BARAYI
honorary Doctorate "The History of Black almost thirty-three
from the University Mine Workers in affiliated trade unions
of South Africa on 6th South Africa". He at that time.
November 2020 as a wrote: "Elijah Barayi
‘special recognition of on hearing that the Former General
honoured
the humble sacrifices NUM had been S e c r e t a r y
he undertook by formed immediately Ramaphosa went
challenging the started organizing on to say, 'when he
apartheid regime and workers into an NUM (Elijah Barayi) was
by UNISA
all his efforts led to Branch at the mine elected president
the building of a non- where he worked. He of COSATU, he
racial, non-sexist, was much older than declared in his
democratic society’. the other activists and acceptance speech
with an
had had experience 'to the South African
'Elijah Barayi was in the ANC. government, I say:
a great human being your time is over. We
and a dedicated He came from do not apologize for
honorary
cadre of our struggle. Cradock in the being black. We are
He was a person of Eastern Cape which proud of it. As from
principle, conviction was an area well today, Mandela and
and commitment. known for its support all political prisoners,
Doctorate
As a potent, but of the ANC. He was should be released.
unassuming, entirely unknown PW Botha, you have
champion of the before the Congress failed in your duties to
working class and the but achieved instant release Mandela'.
poor, Elijah Barayi popularity through 'Then in a manner
would not expect us his impressive that became
to sing him praises. oratory, his political customary for him
He would insist that as commitment and he departed from his
much as we may want unrestrained attacks script and, in a rousing
to honour him, the on the apartheid and memorable
kindest way to do so government,' political peroration,
would be to advance alluded Comrade gave the government
the struggles of his Cyril Ramaphosa, an ultimatum to repeal
people. And yet, if we while addressing a the pass laws within
are to draw lessons Memorial Lecture to six months or face the
from the enormous remember the life and consequences.'
contribution that times of the giant of
Elijah Barayi made the Labour Movement Early years
to our struggle, we on June 2016, in Elijah Barayi was
will need to reflect Cape Town, Western born in Lingelihle,
Ms. Zukiswa Mlhwatika,
on his life and his Cape at a Provincial (Cradock ) Eastern
daughter of the late Dr. Elijah
person. It is telling Shopsteward Council. Cape, on 15th
Barayi, receiving a certificate on
that Elijah Barayi He was the first of June in 1930.
behalf of her father at UNISA
was never recruited president of the He was one of eight
into the NUM. Congress of South children of working
He recruited himself. Africa Trade Unions class parents. Barayi
26COSATU 35th Anniversary COSATU
attended Lwana Primary of administering apartheid. movement on the mines. as convener at Ipeleng,
School and completed Thereafter, there was no In 1981 he became a shaft Ramaphosa presided over
his junior certificate at turning back. steward at Blyvooruitzicht the launch.
Nuwell High School. As a young man, he left for the National Union of The congress began
He matriculated at Eastern Cape to take up Mineworkers (NUM). to draw up a constitution,
Healdtown Institute in 1949. employment as a clerk In 1982, the National making amendments
Comrade Elijah was born around Brakpan at a State Union of Mineworkers to a draft that had been
at the time when the world mine. And at night, he was was formed with Barayi circulated earlier, the
was still recovering from an organizing secretary as the Vice-President. most significant being
the after effects of the First for the African National In May 1985 he led 9000 the creation of the post
World War, which ended in Congress. miners at Blyvooruitzicht of assistant general
1918-with little knowledge on strike in protest against secretary. The constitution
that armed conflict was Life as a young worker the dismissal of two shaft determined that workers
about to escalate again Barayi joined the ANC stewards. would dominate all the
with the onset of the Youth League in 1952 as In 1986 when the federation’s structures; that
Second World War in 1939. a teenager and became nationwide state of a national congress would
Like most of all comrades, an efficient organiser and emergency was declared, be held every two years
Barayi was a child of his an able speaker. He was he was detained for two and would be the highest
environment. His family arrested in the early 1950s weeks then restricted to decision-making body;
was part of the African for his participation in the the Caltonville magistrate that a central executive
Community in Cradock Defiance Campaigns. district. In 1987 he was committee would meet
where the political and Barayi worked briefly for back on public platforms. every three months; and
spiritual sustenance and the Department of Native that an executive committee
guidance was generously Affairs but resigned as he The founding would meet every month.
provided by Canon James felt it was in the forefront president of COSATU
Arthur Calata. of administering apartheid. In December 1985 at the The congress set out
Canon Calata was He held a variety of jobs launch of the Congress of various resolutions:
a consummate activist until 1960 when he left South African Trade Unions • To establish one union
against racial discrimination the Eastern Cape to take (COSATU), Barayi was for each industry within
in all its forms and wherever up employment as a clerk elected president of the six months.
it manifests itself. He was at State Mines, Brakpan. new organisation, a position • To focus on the
a formidable leader of the At that stage, he was an he held until 1991. exploitation of women
African National Congress, organising secretary for The federation was workers.
who served as the President the ANC and was detained launched, at the height • To call for the lifting of
in the Cape Province and during the 1960 State of of the struggle against the state of emergency,
at national level where he Emergency and held for six apartheid. As a federation, withdrawal of troops
served as the Secretary months. it brought together many from the townships and
General. In May 1973, Barayi of the unions formed after release of all political
moved to Carltonville the wave of strikes at the prisoners.
Comrade Elijah Barayi and in 1976 he became beginning of 1973 which • To continue the call
was a protégé of Canon a personnel assistant on marked a renewal of for international
Calata and never spared the mine. He experienced trade union activity after a pressure, including
himself in taking the firsthand the conditions decade-long lull. disinvestment.
struggle of his mentor and that miners experienced On 30th November 1985, • To demand for the right
the oppressed to a higher underground. more than 760 delegates to strike and picket.
level. He was elected as the from 33 unions descended • To determine a national
He resigned from a liaison committee. Following on the sports hall of the minimum wage.
secure employment at the the report of the Wiehahn University of Natal, in • To extend the struggle
Department of the Native Commission in 1979, Durban, to inaugurate the for trade union rights in
Affairs, because he felt that Barayi became active in new trade union federation. the homelands.
they were at the very centre establishing the trade union After his earlier success
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