COSATU is the biggest trade union federation in South Africa. It has over 2 million members, making it the largest single organization of working people in South Africa. COSATU’s current function is to protect the rights of workers and promote their interests in all aspects of South African society. The Federation was formed on December 16th 1985 from a merger between 4 independent unions: NACTU, NATFHE, NUPE FEDSATU (which comprised the white unions) and COSATU. It helps workers when they do not get the pay they are supposed to, or when the employer breaks any other laws.
The COSATU is a trade union that helps workers when they do not get the pay they are supposed to, or when the employer breaks any other laws.
This is done through the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and other courts. In most cases, it will be your union branch that helps you with these issues.
The importance of COSATU
COSATU is the voice of the working class, and it fights for workers’ rights.
It’s also a political movement that campaigns for public services and land reform.
In South Africa, COSATU is not just an organisation that protects workers—it’s also an institution that speaks up for all those who are sidelined by society, such as women and youth.
If you are wondering what COSATU’s current role may be, it is important to note that strikes are a last resort. Workers have many ways of showing their power in negotiations with employers and the government, but they can only use strikes when they feel all other options have been exhausted.
When workers go on strike, it is typically because they feel as though their rights are being violated by an employer or by the government. Strikes may protest against poor working conditions or unfair dismissal. They may also push for better pay and benefits packages for workers or even demand better living conditions for members of the community at large (such as protesting high rents).
COSATU’s education programs
COSATU’s education programs are important because they provide information to workers and community members on issues that affect them. This can be done through any of:
- Schools
- Workplaces (from where they will distribute pamphlets on these topics)
- In-person or online classes/workshops
- COSATU, other unions, NGOs, and other civil society organizations
How do the government and COSATU work together
The South African government has a responsibility to create laws that protect workers. COSATU works with the government to create these laws, promoting job creation and economic growth. The following are examples of some laws that were created by COSATU:
- The Labour Relations Act defines how employers and employees can negotiate wages, benefits and working conditions
- The Social Security Act sets out a framework for providing social welfare schemes
- The Employment Equity Act (EEA), promotes equal opportunities between people from different racial backgrounds in employment
