In comparison to other African countries, trade unions in South Africa are the strongest and most stable. With over 100 recognized trade unions, it is hardly unexpected that over 3.2 million workers, or 26% of the official workforce, belong to one or more trade unions.
This takes us to the topic of different sorts of trade unions.
In South Africa, how many different forms of trade unions are there?
There are different types of unions among these numerous worker organizations. They are as follows:
- South African Trade Union Congress (COSATU) -This federation has at least 21 linked functional unions and a membership of at least 1.8 million people. The federation, which was founded in 1985 with 33 unions, has expanded to become one of South Africa’s largest. It was founded, among other things, to protect the rights of female workers against exploitation, to develop the industrial workforce, to liberate political prisoners, and to oppose apartheid.
- Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) – Founded in 1997, this federation is now the second-largest in South Africa, with approximately 560,000 members. It is in charge of employees in a variety of industries, including the automobile industry, education, aviation, banking, medical services, healthcare, aviation, and the hotel business.
- National Council of Trade Unions– This is South Africa’s third form of trade union. The affiliation includes 17 unions with about 400,000 members. Its representation spans industries ranging from mining to banking. It also represents persons working in the public sector, textile sectors, food processing, and agriculture, to name a few.
To register a trade union, you must apply to the Department of Employment and Labour’s Registrar of Labour Relations.
A trade union is a workers’ organization that promotes and protects its members’ interests on matters such as salaries and working conditions, particularly through talks with employers. Trade unions are not required to register with the Department of Labour, but registered unions have more privileges.
Registrar of Labour Relations, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001.
In South Africa, how many employees are required to form a union?
A labor union may first seek your voluntary recognition (the employer). To accomplish this, the union must submit a written request naming the union and bargaining unit (the group of workers who are represented by the union). In addition, the employer must employ at least 21 people.
Is a trade union a legal entity?
A registered trade union is considered a body corporate, which gives it the legal standing of a legal organization that can acquire and possess property, enter into contracts, and sue others. A trade union that is registered is also protected from certain contractual, criminal, and civil processes.
How do trade unions obtain funding?
A registered Trade Union may establish a separate fund from contributions levied separately for or made to that fund, from which payments may be made, for the advancement of its members’ civic and political interests, in furtherance of any of the goals stated in sub-section
What are the drawbacks of forming a trade union?
Trade unions initiate industrial action based on member voting. You may disagree with the conclusion of a vote, yet you feel obligated to participate in the action. If you go on strike, you will lose some of your pay as well as the stress and anxiety that comes with having less money.
What are the functions of a labor union?
Trade unions’ common activities include assisting and serving their members, collective bargaining for better wages and working conditions for all workers, fighting to enhance the quality of public services, political campaigns, and industrial action.
