Trade Unions
Workers' rights and trade union movement
Workers' Rights
Trade unions are organisations that represent workers and fight for better wages, working conditions and job security. In SA, unions like COSATU, NUM and SADTU are powerful. Workers have the right to join unions, strike and collectively bargain (negotiate as a group).
Example
Unions in SA
Major SA unions:
• COSATU: federation of many unions
• NUM: National Union of Mineworkers
• SADTU: teachers' union
• NEHAWU: health and government workers
Workers' rights (Labour Relations Act):
• Join a union
• Strike (after proper procedures)
• Fair dismissal procedures
• Collective bargaining
• Protection from unfair treatment
Note
Remember
Unions played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid. Today they protect workers from exploitation. However, strikes can also harm the economy and non-striking workers. The CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) helps resolve labour disputes.
Key Vocabulary
Trade unionAn organisation that represents and protects workers' interests
StrikeWhen workers stop working to demand better conditions
Collective bargainingWorkers negotiating together with employers through their union
CCMABody that helps resolve disputes between workers and employers
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Trade union
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