Trade Unions COSATU = THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS

The concept of a Trade Union An organisation that exists to protect the rights of workers. It is made up workers and run by workers who negotiate with bosses on behalf of all workers.

General Functions of a Trade Union Represent Members in a disciplinary hearing Offer education and training to members Improve the productivity of workers Improve conditions of service

Promoting this role

Why do we need Trade Unions when… The role of the government: Basic conditions of employment act Labour relations act Employment equity act Health and safety act Bill of rights

We also have: The rights of workers: The right to work The right to choose your work The right to a safe work environment The right to be paid fairly The right to work for a limited amount of time per day The right to paid holidays The right to be treated fairly

Ordinary hours per week Extract from the BCEA Maximum Working Hours Number of days worked per week Maximum Ordinary hours per day Ordinary hours per week 1 - 5 9 45 more than 5 8

Meal Breaks Workers must have a meal break of 60 minutes after 5 hours’ work.   A written agreement may – reduce meal intervals to 30 minutes eliminate meal intervals for workers who work less than 6 hours a day

So why do we need unions?

Simple – Demand… 8 500 000 jobs in South Africa!

And supply

Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

The way COSATU views our economy:

COSATU’S plan for our economy:

The effect of Trade Unions on Business Def: Industrial Action Collective action by workers that disrupts the normal running of the business and affects productivity.

Two examples of industrial action: Go-slows Strikes Workers go to work Workers do the necessary work. Workers fulfil the legal requirements of their contract. Decreased productivity Frustrating for management. Workers don’t go to work No Pay Last resort But also most common form of industrial action

Trade Unions and Sustainable Development

Promoting employment: Lack of skills Providing education and training Linking school curriculum to industry needs Promoting skill development in union members Prompting businesses to invest in skills development

Globalisation Imports: Lead to greater variety of products BUT… But they also mean less job creation locally

Globalisation: what can unions do? Resist globalisation by forcing government to implement Trade Barriers. These include import duties.

Globalisation: what can unions do? Trade unions can also promote globalisation and encourage businesses to become more competitive. Which one is better?