Why is the COSATU protesting?
Why is the COSATU protesting?
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on its members to participate in a nationwide strike Oct. 7 against measures to freeze wages in the private and public sectors. Organizers also wish to draw attention to high levels of unemployment in the country. Multiple protests are scheduled.
What did COSATU do?
COSATU adopted the Freedom Charter as its guiding document. It participated in a number of campaigns. One of its most important campaigns was the Living Wage Campaign where millions of workers went on strike to demand wage increases and a decent life.
What does COSATU represent?
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is a trade union federation in South Africa. It was founded in 1985 and is the largest of the country’s three main trade union federations, with 21 affiliated trade unions.
Why was COSATU formed?
COSATU was launched in December 1985 after four years of unity talks between unions opposed to apartheid and committed to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa. At our launch we represented less than half a million workers organised in 33 unions.
What does COSATU do for South Africa?
Numerous stay-aways and strikes to protest against the state of emergency, elections and national days of commemoration among others, were launched by Cosatu in cooperation with the UDF. Cosatu also supports the sanctions and disinvestment campaign against South Africa. Two important campaigns were initiated by Cosatu.
When and how was COSATU formed?
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) was launched on 1 December 1985, at the height of the struggle against apartheid. As a federation, it brought together many of the unions formed after the wave of strikes at the beginning of 1973 which marked a renewal of trade union activity after a decade-long lull.
Who can join Cosatu?
Must be 18 to 59 years of age.
How many members does COSATU have?
1.8 million
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
How many members are there in COSATU?
Cosatu has a strong national and regional structure, and, with more than 1 million members, is the largest and strongest trade union federation in South Africa. Its president is John Gomomo, and Jay Naidoo is the general secretary.
How did UDF opposed apartheid?
The UDF and its affiliates promoted rent boycotts, school protests, worker stay-away and a boycott of the tricameral system. These activities took place in earnest after September 1984.
Who opposed apartheid in South Africa?
the African National Congress (ANC)
Soon the African National Congress (ANC), founded in 1912, became the major force opposing the apartheid system’s oppression of the 80% non-European population of the country.
How much does it cost to join COSATU?
By comparison, Cosatu charges an affiliation fee of R3. 95 a member, which amounted to R74 million last year. Apart from NTM, three other relatively tiny Saftu unions face suspension for non-payment, while many others are in arrears. In the report, Saftu claims there are five more unions that may join the federation.
Which unions belong to COSATU?
This trade union federation was formed on 30 November 1985 after more than four years of negotiations between, among others, the Council of Unions of South Africa (Cusa), the Federation of South African Trade Unions (Fosatu), the Azanian Congress of Trade Unions (Azactu) and the SA Allied Workers’ Union (Saawu).
Who is part of COSATU?
Cosatu is launched
| President | Elijah Barayi |
|---|---|
| Second vice president | Makhulu Ledwaba |
| Treasurer | Maxwell Xulu |
| General Secretary | Jay Naidoo |
| Assistant General Secretary | Sydney Mufamadi |