Trade Unions
REDRESS
= put right, fix up problems from the past;
INEQUALITIES
= when some people have a lot of something, such as money or resources, and others have a little.
Definition of standard of living
The level of wealth, comfort and material goods that the people in a country have.
TRADE UNIONS:
· An organised association of workers from a particular trade or profession that is formed to perform the rights and interests of workers
· Trade Unions do the same things as the Student Council at school level.
· A trade union is an association of employees who have common interests and have formed an organisation with the purpose of protecting and promoting their interests through collective bargaining/ negotiation with their employers. Generally negotiations concerns wages and working conditions of union members.
Historical background of Trade Unions presented in this Time Line Table.
|
1922 |
Black workers strikes in the mining industry changing the History of South Africa. White mine workers striking for against a decision by management to offer low income jobs to black workers for positions which were previously meant for white workers. |
|
1930 |
All trade unions in South Africa merging to form SATLC, a single multiracial trade Union. |
|
1940 |
More than 60 000 mine workers striking against low wages. |
|
1954 |
Whites Only trade union splitting from SATLC to form TUCSA which only allowed White, Coloured and Indian mine workers. |
|
1954 |
Government passing the law to make all Black workers strike legal. |
|
1955 |
SACTU a non racial union was formed and it played a role in the struggle through the labour movement |
|
1979 |
Black Trade Unions legalised and the Federation of South African Trade formed |
|
1982 |
National Union of Mine workers is formed.(NUM) |
|
1985 |
Congress of South African Trade Union is formed (COSATU) |
|
1994 |
First Democratic Elections in South Africa |
|
1996 |
New Constitution giving all South African the right to join Trade Unions of their choice |
Lesson Files
Lesson Questions
Activity 1:
Provide two examples of trade unions.
1) ________________________________
2) ________________________________
Activity:
What do the following abbreviations stand for?
COSATU
CAWU
CWIU
FAWU
NEHAWU
NUM
NUMSA
SACCAWU
POPCRU
NACBAWU
SADTU
NUE
NAPTOSA
CWU
NUTESA
CEPPWAWU
DENOSA