Unions must set aside their differences; take on bread and butter issues and forge for a better life for all.
This was Numsa’s message at the National Bargaining Conference (NBC).
Over 170 delegates converged at Birchwood, Gauteng in March to debate and discuss the road ahead.
Numsa’s President, Andrew Chirwa, amongst other issues, called for unity and said there was a need for everyone to rise above ‘petty differences’ for the ‘NUMSA moment’.
NUMSA should work on enlarging its membership as un-unionized workers are left defenseless against ‘evil practices’ of employers, he said
Karl Cloete, Numsa’s Deputy General Secretary, supported these views and articulated Numsa’s objectives for the NBC conference was to:
• Defend and to grow the manufacturing capability of industries
• Pursue the struggle for a living wage
• Grow Numsa’s membership
Unions that were represented as part of the United Front included the General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa, United Association of South Africa, Metal and Electrical Workers Union of South Africa, South African Equity Workers Association and Chemical, Energy, Paper, Wood and Allied Workers Union and Solidarity.
Unions spoke in one voice against many issues including banning labour brokers and fighting for a living wage.
Elena Konopelko is an intern researcher, Numsa Research and Policy Institute