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Trade Union In South Africa

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What is a Trade Union?
A trade union is defined as a group or groups of employees that join together for the purposes of maintaining their working conditions of their employment and also stand as a mediator between the employer and employees.
The main purposes of Trade Unions are the following. Trade Unions:
• Negotiate terms with employers on pay and working conditions.
• Accompany their members to any disciplinary or grievance meetings.
• Provide their members with legal and financial advice
• Discuss their member’s concerns with their employers.
Brief History on Trade Unions in South Africa
Trade Unions in South Africa have roots dating back to the 1880s. Most Trade Unions at that time were dominated by white workers and more of the rights …show more content…

The three biggest trade unions in South Africa include the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) and the National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU)
Why should workers belong to a Trade Union?
Employers in this day and age will go to any extent to make profit, even compromising the safety and well-being of his/her employees. Employees will also do anything and everything to try and keep their jobs due to poverty. Belonging to a Trade Union assists the employees to know and understand their rights in the workplace, this in turn will help them know their roles and duties and expectations. Trade Unions also help the employer to take care of their employees.
In the event of a labour dispute, an employee can consult his/her trade union for advice-both legally and domestically. Most issues that involve trade unions are solved without the intervention of the court of …show more content…

Most trade unions such as the South African Confederation of Labour (SACoL) that existed in the apartheid era only served rights according to race. This in turn sparked the establishment of antiapartheid trade unions that decided to fight for the rights of all workers/employees regardless of their race or social background. Through the difficult years of apartheid, Trade Unions played an important role in developing political and economic resistance and eventually driving the country to a transition to an inclusive democratic

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