ANALYSIS: Unions are at a power crossroads and – like with Eskom – it is precarious By Stephen Grootes StephenGrootes
For the last 20 years or so, capitalists and the middle classes have complained that unions, and the constituency they represent, have had too much power. There has been a common refrain that they are holding the “country to ransom”, and able to inflict damage on the rest of the nation. There are also fears that attempts to restructure state-owned entities and to save Eskom could be sabotaged by unions.
Cosatu has lost hundreds of thousands of members, and appeared to be divided over whether or not to support Zuma. Its then President S’dumo Dlamini supported him, often in the teeth of anger from Cosatu members. However, there is an important fork in the road looming which could see the power of unions tested in a big way.
The key dynamic is what happens at Eskom. It is well known that it is literally living hand-to-mouth at the moment, and could run out of money any day. In 2018, unions were able to win a wage increase despite Eskom’s board offering a “zero-percent increase”. To achieve that victory, it appears that someone was happy to sabotage the production of electricity. Eskom has said in public that sabotage was responsible for load shedding during that time, although the unions have all denied it.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ramaphosa: Unions will be part of solution for Eskom going forwardThe tripartite alliance has presented a united front going to elections, but the elephant in the room is Eskom.
Read more »
Sibanye boss: Unions will think twice about taking us onA week after Sibanye-Stillwater finally settled with Amcu and ended the second-longest strike in history of mining in SA, chief executive Neal Froneman says: “I feel we have made our point and any union will think twice about calling a strike with Sibanye”
Read more »
Business blames unions for weak economyBusiness says labour's inability to compromise on salaries at Eskom and unbundling has weighed on the economy
Read more »
There’s a lot to celebrate on Workers’ Day – labour unionsAs the world marks International Workers’ Day today, trade unions across the world have pledged their solidarity to workers and their struggle to achieve fair employment standards.
Read more »
More must be done to fight corruption among unions - Cosatu, NumsaTrade unions are calling for unity in the labour movement and are warning that the well-being of workers is being compromised by divisions among them.
Read more »
Spanish unions use May Day march to pressure Socialists on reformsUnions used traditional May Day marches across Spain on Wednesday to call on the Socialist Party, which is likely to head the government after last Sunday's election, for pension rises and a roll-back of tough labour legislation.
Read more »
Amcu to meet labour registrar over cancellation threat | Business | M&GAmcu president Joseph Mathunjwa on Friday insisted that his union's affairs are in order and that the possible deregistration of the union is 'politically motivated'.
Read more »
Deregistering Amcu a move to strengthen ANC-aligned NUM – EFFThe party says this move is consistent with apartheid and capitalist hatred of genuine unions.
Read more »
Ramaphosa set to address thousands at May Day rally in KwaZulu-NatalThis as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) prepares to host a number of May Day rallies across the country.
Read more »
Cosatu, SAFTU to hold Workers' Day rallies - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.The Congress of South African Trade Unions will be celebrating this year's International Workers' Day across the country, with rallies set to kick off on Wednesday morning. Other rallies will be held at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney, North West, as well as various other venues in all other provinces.
Read more »
Venezuelan citizens have a right to choose their own leader: Vavi - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.WorkersDay | The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has weighed in on the political and economic crisis in Venezuela saying the citizens need to make a decisive choice on who should lead them. SABCNews
Read more »