1. Trade Unions
COSATU = THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Promoting this role

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. So why do we need unions?

10. Simple – Demand…
jobs in South Africa!

11. And supply

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

17. The way COSATU views our economy:

18. COSATU’S plan for our economy:

20. 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.

21. 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

22. Trade Unions and Sustainable Development

23. 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

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

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

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