A trade union (British English/Australian English/New Zealand English/South African English / Caribbean English; also trades union), labour union (Canadian English), or labor union (American English) is an organization of workers who have come together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, improving safety standards, achieving higher pay and benefits such as health care and retirement, increasing the number of employees an employer assigns to complete the work, and better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labour contracts (collective bargaining) with employers. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment". This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is a trade union federation in South Africa. It was founded in 1985 and is the largest of the country’s three main trade union federations, with 21 affiliated trade unions, altogether organising 1.8 million workers.
History
On 30 Nov 1985, 33 unions met at the University of Natal for talks on forming a federation of trade unions. This followed four years of unity talks between competing unions and federations that were opposed to apartheid and were "committed to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa." COSATU was officially established on 1 December 1985. Among the founding unions was the Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU). Elijah Barayi was the organisation’s first president and Jay Naidoo the first general secretary.
Several resolutions were passed at this first meeting that defined the aim of the federation and how the federation operates, namely:
To establish one union for each industry within six months.
Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions launched
There has been a pomp of activity during the launch of a new workers federation to champion the rights of workers in South Africa. Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions - COSATU's - founding general secretary Jay Naidoo has told leaders of the new outfit to ensure that African unions have solidarity with each other. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has the story
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published: 22 Apr 2017
Voices from COP17 - Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
published: 02 Dec 2011
FtS 09-17: 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions
LIVE l From the South: We bring you the latest from Johannesburg where the 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions took place. More on that and other stories now.
https://videosenglish.telesurtv.net/video/741057/from-the-south-741057/
published: 18 Sep 2018
S Africa trade union alliance faces tough election
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Miners in South Africa are continuing their strike and while many have blamed union rivalry and the main union's disconnect from its members, its parent union federation, the Congress of South Africa's Trade Unions (Cosatu) is about to begin its national conference. Cosatu represents more than two million workers, from various sectors, and was formed during the fight against apartheid. It is also a cornerstone alliance partner to the country's ruling African National Congress, which also faces its tightly contested party elections later this year. In an exclusive report, Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reporting from Johannesburg, speaks to a founding member of the organisation, Jay Naidoo...
published: 16 Sep 2012
What role do trade unions play in the 21st century?
eNCA speaks to labour analyst Terry Bell, Zingiswa Losi from Cosatu and Mametlwe Sebei of SAFTU.
published: 19 Aug 2018
The Globe | COSATU Congress: Trade Union Federation elects leadership 26 September 2022
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi told delegates at the Union Federation’s 14th elective congress that the ANC needs to address corruption in its structures and the electricity crisis, fix the challenges facing Transnet and Metro rail, tackle the high unemployment rate and create jobs.
Losi says if the ANC fails to address the challenges facing the country it will spell disaster for the ruling party in the upcoming national elections in 2024.
With trade unions losing numbers over time will they still remain relevant in the future? Labour lawyer Patrick Deale spoke to SABC News saying that the Unions need to adapt to the modern age if they are to survive.
For more news, visit sabcnews.com and also #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.
published: 01 Oct 2022
Tony Ehrenreich; Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
Tony Ehrenreich
Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
South African March for Palestine & Against Israeli Apartheid
15 May 2018, Cape Town
published: 30 May 2018
Trade unions in South Africa
Trade unions in South Africa have a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the country, with the earliest unions being predominantly for white workers. Through the turbulent years of 1948–1991 trade unions played an important part in developing political and economic resistance, and eventually were one of the driving forces in realising the transition to an inclusive democratic government.
Today trade unions are still an important force in South Africa, with 3.11 million members representing 25.3% of the formal work force. The Congress of South African Trade Unions is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling Afric...
published: 04 Dec 2015
The role of labour unions in South Africa
It's day two of SAFTU's national elective congress. Yesterday saw tensions rise between union leaders on a number of issues, bringing into sharp focus questions around the future and relevance of trade unions. In his recent opinion piece, labour analyst Terry Bell questions whether the labour movement in SA should be independently defending the demands of workers or be aligned with political parties.
He unpacks this.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika, DSTV channel 405, for more details.
published: 24 May 2022
Relevance of Unions | Discussion | Are South Africa's trade unions still relevant?
As South Africa celebrates 28 years of democracy it's important to recognise the pivotal role played by unions in mobilising workers with their stay-away campaigns and national labour shutdowns to fight for better working conditions in the workplace. Professor Gawie Cillie an employment relations expert at Stellenbosch Business School speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403
There has been a pomp of activity during the launch of a new workers federation to champion the rights of workers in South Africa. Labour federation Congress of...
There has been a pomp of activity during the launch of a new workers federation to champion the rights of workers in South Africa. Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions - COSATU's - founding general secretary Jay Naidoo has told leaders of the new outfit to ensure that African unions have solidarity with each other. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has the story
Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://ow.ly/Zvqj30aIsgY
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgtnafrica/
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There has been a pomp of activity during the launch of a new workers federation to champion the rights of workers in South Africa. Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions - COSATU's - founding general secretary Jay Naidoo has told leaders of the new outfit to ensure that African unions have solidarity with each other. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has the story
Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://ow.ly/Zvqj30aIsgY
Follow us on:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/cgtnafrica
LIVE l From the South: We bring you the latest from Johannesburg where the 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions took place. More on that and other storie...
LIVE l From the South: We bring you the latest from Johannesburg where the 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions took place. More on that and other stories now.
https://videosenglish.telesurtv.net/video/741057/from-the-south-741057/
LIVE l From the South: We bring you the latest from Johannesburg where the 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions took place. More on that and other stories now.
https://videosenglish.telesurtv.net/video/741057/from-the-south-741057/
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Miners in South Africa are continuing their strike and ...
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Miners in South Africa are continuing their strike and while many have blamed union rivalry and the main union's disconnect from its members, its parent union federation, the Congress of South Africa's Trade Unions (Cosatu) is about to begin its national conference. Cosatu represents more than two million workers, from various sectors, and was formed during the fight against apartheid. It is also a cornerstone alliance partner to the country's ruling African National Congress, which also faces its tightly contested party elections later this year. In an exclusive report, Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reporting from Johannesburg, speaks to a founding member of the organisation, Jay Naidoo.
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
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Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Miners in South Africa are continuing their strike and while many have blamed union rivalry and the main union's disconnect from its members, its parent union federation, the Congress of South Africa's Trade Unions (Cosatu) is about to begin its national conference. Cosatu represents more than two million workers, from various sectors, and was formed during the fight against apartheid. It is also a cornerstone alliance partner to the country's ruling African National Congress, which also faces its tightly contested party elections later this year. In an exclusive report, Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reporting from Johannesburg, speaks to a founding member of the organisation, Jay Naidoo.
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aljazeera/?ref=...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajenglish
Website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
google+: https://plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi told delegates at the Union Federation’s 14th elective congress that the ANC needs to address corruption in its structures and th...
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi told delegates at the Union Federation’s 14th elective congress that the ANC needs to address corruption in its structures and the electricity crisis, fix the challenges facing Transnet and Metro rail, tackle the high unemployment rate and create jobs.
Losi says if the ANC fails to address the challenges facing the country it will spell disaster for the ruling party in the upcoming national elections in 2024.
With trade unions losing numbers over time will they still remain relevant in the future? Labour lawyer Patrick Deale spoke to SABC News saying that the Unions need to adapt to the modern age if they are to survive.
For more news, visit sabcnews.com and also #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi told delegates at the Union Federation’s 14th elective congress that the ANC needs to address corruption in its structures and the electricity crisis, fix the challenges facing Transnet and Metro rail, tackle the high unemployment rate and create jobs.
Losi says if the ANC fails to address the challenges facing the country it will spell disaster for the ruling party in the upcoming national elections in 2024.
With trade unions losing numbers over time will they still remain relevant in the future? Labour lawyer Patrick Deale spoke to SABC News saying that the Unions need to adapt to the modern age if they are to survive.
For more news, visit sabcnews.com and also #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.
Trade unions in South Africa have a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the co...
Trade unions in South Africa have a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the country, with the earliest unions being predominantly for white workers. Through the turbulent years of 1948–1991 trade unions played an important part in developing political and economic resistance, and eventually were one of the driving forces in realising the transition to an inclusive democratic government.
Today trade unions are still an important force in South Africa, with 3.11 million members representing 25.3% of the formal work force. The Congress of South African Trade Unions is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.
This video is targeted to blind users.
Attribution:
Article text available under CC-BY-SA
Creative Commons image source in video
Trade unions in South Africa have a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the country, with the earliest unions being predominantly for white workers. Through the turbulent years of 1948–1991 trade unions played an important part in developing political and economic resistance, and eventually were one of the driving forces in realising the transition to an inclusive democratic government.
Today trade unions are still an important force in South Africa, with 3.11 million members representing 25.3% of the formal work force. The Congress of South African Trade Unions is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.
This video is targeted to blind users.
Attribution:
Article text available under CC-BY-SA
Creative Commons image source in video
It's day two of SAFTU's national elective congress. Yesterday saw tensions rise between union leaders on a number of issues, bringing into sharp focus questions...
It's day two of SAFTU's national elective congress. Yesterday saw tensions rise between union leaders on a number of issues, bringing into sharp focus questions around the future and relevance of trade unions. In his recent opinion piece, labour analyst Terry Bell questions whether the labour movement in SA should be independently defending the demands of workers or be aligned with political parties.
He unpacks this.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika, DSTV channel 405, for more details.
It's day two of SAFTU's national elective congress. Yesterday saw tensions rise between union leaders on a number of issues, bringing into sharp focus questions around the future and relevance of trade unions. In his recent opinion piece, labour analyst Terry Bell questions whether the labour movement in SA should be independently defending the demands of workers or be aligned with political parties.
He unpacks this.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika, DSTV channel 405, for more details.
As South Africa celebrates 28 years of democracy it's important to recognise the pivotal role played by unions in mobilising workers with their stay-away campai...
As South Africa celebrates 28 years of democracy it's important to recognise the pivotal role played by unions in mobilising workers with their stay-away campaigns and national labour shutdowns to fight for better working conditions in the workplace. Professor Gawie Cillie an employment relations expert at Stellenbosch Business School speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403
As South Africa celebrates 28 years of democracy it's important to recognise the pivotal role played by unions in mobilising workers with their stay-away campaigns and national labour shutdowns to fight for better working conditions in the workplace. Professor Gawie Cillie an employment relations expert at Stellenbosch Business School speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403
There has been a pomp of activity during the launch of a new workers federation to champion the rights of workers in South Africa. Labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions - COSATU's - founding general secretary Jay Naidoo has told leaders of the new outfit to ensure that African unions have solidarity with each other. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has the story
Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://ow.ly/Zvqj30aIsgY
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgtnafrica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cgtnafrica
LIVE l From the South: We bring you the latest from Johannesburg where the 13th Congress of South African Trade Unions took place. More on that and other stories now.
https://videosenglish.telesurtv.net/video/741057/from-the-south-741057/
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Miners in South Africa are continuing their strike and while many have blamed union rivalry and the main union's disconnect from its members, its parent union federation, the Congress of South Africa's Trade Unions (Cosatu) is about to begin its national conference. Cosatu represents more than two million workers, from various sectors, and was formed during the fight against apartheid. It is also a cornerstone alliance partner to the country's ruling African National Congress, which also faces its tightly contested party elections later this year. In an exclusive report, Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna reporting from Johannesburg, speaks to a founding member of the organisation, Jay Naidoo.
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a 'voice to the voiceless.'
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world's most respected news and current affairs channels.
Social Media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aljazeera/?ref=...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajenglish
Website: http://www.aljazeera.com/
google+: https://plus.google.com/+aljazeera/posts
COSATU President Zingiswa Losi told delegates at the Union Federation’s 14th elective congress that the ANC needs to address corruption in its structures and the electricity crisis, fix the challenges facing Transnet and Metro rail, tackle the high unemployment rate and create jobs.
Losi says if the ANC fails to address the challenges facing the country it will spell disaster for the ruling party in the upcoming national elections in 2024.
With trade unions losing numbers over time will they still remain relevant in the future? Labour lawyer Patrick Deale spoke to SABC News saying that the Unions need to adapt to the modern age if they are to survive.
For more news, visit sabcnews.com and also #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.
Trade unions in South Africa have a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the country, with the earliest unions being predominantly for white workers. Through the turbulent years of 1948–1991 trade unions played an important part in developing political and economic resistance, and eventually were one of the driving forces in realising the transition to an inclusive democratic government.
Today trade unions are still an important force in South Africa, with 3.11 million members representing 25.3% of the formal work force. The Congress of South African Trade Unions is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.
This video is targeted to blind users.
Attribution:
Article text available under CC-BY-SA
Creative Commons image source in video
It's day two of SAFTU's national elective congress. Yesterday saw tensions rise between union leaders on a number of issues, bringing into sharp focus questions around the future and relevance of trade unions. In his recent opinion piece, labour analyst Terry Bell questions whether the labour movement in SA should be independently defending the demands of workers or be aligned with political parties.
He unpacks this.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika, DSTV channel 405, for more details.
As South Africa celebrates 28 years of democracy it's important to recognise the pivotal role played by unions in mobilising workers with their stay-away campaigns and national labour shutdowns to fight for better working conditions in the workplace. Professor Gawie Cillie an employment relations expert at Stellenbosch Business School speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403
A trade union (British English/Australian English/New Zealand English/South African English / Caribbean English; also trades union), labour union (Canadian English), or labor union (American English) is an organization of workers who have come together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, improving safety standards, achieving higher pay and benefits such as health care and retirement, increasing the number of employees an employer assigns to complete the work, and better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labour contracts (collective bargaining) with employers. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment". This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions (COSATU) congratulates the Class of 2024 on achieving the country's highest pass rate to date including the highest number of Bachelor passes as well as the most distinctions.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions (COSATU) is pained by the massive number of employers who toy with workers' financial futures by defaulting on paying pension fund contributions.
We dare not rest when four out of 10 ...COSATU - The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions published this content on January 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions (COSATU) in Limpopo Province is dismayed and horrified by the attack on Ga-Chuene clinic where security was overpowered, and two nurses were kidnapped and raped on the night of 9 January.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade...COSATU - The Congress of South African Trade Unions published this content on January 10, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Whilst we celebrate this symbolic cake of ...COSATU - The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions published this content on January 08, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade...COSATU - The Congress of South African Trade Unions published this content on December 19, 2024, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade Unions (COSATU) notes the release of the report into the deaths of 11 on duty fishermen who were aboard a Sea HarvestGroup fishing vessel when it sank to the bottom of the sea on 17 May.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade...COSATU - The Congress of South African Trade Unions published this content on December 19, 2024, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade...COSATU - The Congress of South African Trade Unions published this content on December 19, 2024, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
The Congress of SouthAfricanTrade...COSATU - The Congress of South African Trade Unions published this content on December 19, 2024, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
