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1. Jobs and poverty campaign continues
Mass action in Eastern and Western Cape on Monday
The next phase of COSATU's Jobs and Poverty Campaign kicks off
on 3 October with a day-long stayaway in the Eastern and Western
Cape provinces. Workers in Gauteng and North West will strike on
10 October, followed by Northern Cape Free State and Mpumalanga
on 17 October and KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo on 24 October.
Workers will target specific employers who are retrenching, outsourcing
and casualising workers, using labour brokers, or engaging in racist
practices. We are asking you to identify these employers.
The provincial strikes will coincide with a campaign to 'listen
to the members', when the leadership of the federation and its
affiliates will be hearing from workers throughout the country
about their concerns and demands.
Why are we continuing with the mass actions around Jobs and Poverty?
COSATU's CC in August noted that the overwhelming response to
the general strike on 27 June had yielded some positive results.
Some of the threatened retrenchments in mining and in the clothing
industry have been reversed or at least substantially reduced.
We also welcome the news that overall employment grew last year.
But the fundamental problem remains - unemployment is far too
high, and job creation has slowed or possibly even reversed. Just
in the first quarter of this year, the formal sector lost more
than 130 000 jobs, according to the Quarterly Employment Statistics.
In the same period, manufacturing output fell and gold production
dropped to levels last seen in 1931.
The release of figures on five-year trends in the labour market
based on the bi-annual Labourforce Surveys reinforces COSATU's
concerns. They show that:
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The official unemployment rate has declined
only because more people have given up looking for work. Thus,
the share of people
labelled 'economically inactive' has risen, and the share
of employed people in the labour force has declined since 2000,
from 44% to
40%. Under the broader definition of unemployment, which
counts as unemployed everyone who would take a job immediately,
the unemployment
rate has risen from 34% to 41% in the past five years.
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According to the Labourforce Survey, there was
virtually no growth in formal sector employment in the year to
March 2004. Employment
as a whole grew primarily because of reported growth in informal
hawking and subsistence farming by 25%.
In short, two out of every five workers still cannot find a job.
That means every employed worker is supporting many family members.
For every worker who loses a job, five to ten people fall into
poverty and hunger. Our communities are still being torn apart
by joblessness, poverty and despair.
At the same time, thousands of employed workers are being ruthlessly
exploited. Farm, domestic and forestry workers typically earn less
than R800 a month. Clothing workers in rural areas are paid R200
a week. Employers are casualising and outsourcing workers so as
to get around the labour laws. Farmworkers are still being forced
out of their houses when they lose their jobs.
In many workplaces, apartheid continues in practice, even if not
in name.
For most workers, there has been no improvement in access to training,
promotions, job security or facilities. Too many workers still
have to deal with racist abuse on the job.
Mining, manufacturing and farming alone are still losing thousands
of jobs. 17 000 jobs in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather
industries have been lost this year alone.
We are particularly disappointed by our limited progress with
retailers, who have still refused to sign a commitment to procure
more goods locally. Too many other employers have ignored our demand
to stop using retrenchment as the first reaction to financial difficulties.
COSATU demands action to create new jobs for all our people, to
end racism and exploitation in the workplace, and to ensure access
to services in our communities.
From business, we want:
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A promise to support our industry by buying
South African. Retailers must stock at least 75% local goods.
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Much greater efforts to avoid and prevent job
losses. The large companies and especially the mining companies
must invest more
in South Africa, rather than buying businesses and mines
overseas.
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An end to casualisation and racist practices
in our workplaces. Any casual worker employed for over three
months should be treated
as permanent.
From government, we want:
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Stronger pressure on business to save jobs.
When the bosses announce mass retrenchments, the government should
be helping unions
and communities to fight them. It can use its power
and resources to save jobs.
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All government policies must aim to grow employment.
Government must do more to ensure a competitive exchange rate.
Since 2002,
the high rand has wiped out exports while the country
is flooded with imports. The government must support growth and
job creation
in all major industries.
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Government must also buy locally. Even now,
government does not require its agencies to favour South African
goods and services.
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Trade policies should aim to save and create
jobs. South Africa has the right to impose tariffs to protect
industries threatened
by rising imports.
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Government must provide services like water
and sanitation for all our people, at prices we can afford. Local
governments
must stop trying to privatise basic services, which
leads to job losses and higher costs for our people.
Unemployment and retrenchments are a national emergency. We have
to find solutions to the crisis of jobs and poverty! We cannot
afford 'business as usual'!
2. 7th SADNU National Congress
declaration
The members and leaders of the South African Democratic Nurses Union
gathered in Polokwane, Limpopo on 21 - 23 September 2005 for their
7th National Congress. This is the declaration it issued at the end
of the Congress:
Our National Congress coincided with the 10th anniversary of our
union. It focussed on the plight of nurses throughout the country
and their conditions of service 10 years into our democracy and
evaluated progress of our National Democratic Revolution and the
position of the working class generally, particularly with regard
to access to health services.
As delegates we affirm that the membership of the union has not
grown significantly over the past three years. We note that in
the main, well-coordinated and sustainable recruitment programmes
were confined to four provinces and that in the majority of provinces
recruitment was sporadic. We further note that service to membership
is poor and this results in loss of membership. It is our firm
view that retention and service of membership is critical to building
the organisation. We will thus put recruitment at the centre of
our programme, focusing on growth zones. Recruitment must yield
at least a membership of 1000 by January 2006 to facilitate admission
to the PHWSBC.
We note the leadership problems that have wrecked the KwaZulu-Natal
province, despite intervention on a number of times by the National
Office and the NEC. The delegates thus mandate the NEC to convene
the Provincial Congress as a matter of urgency in the belief that
it is the only option that can deliver a lasting solution to the
problem.
The delegates further note the call for support by the Western
Cape, the youngest SADNU province. Congress thus resolves to give
practical support to the Western Cape - in all forms.
In pursuit of the vision of uniting nurses of South Africa Congress
endorses the timeframe of October/November 2006 for realisation
of unity between SADNU and DENOSA.
Congress further notes the gender imbalance in SADNU leadership
- women are poorly represented despite the large ratio of women
in membership as compared to men. Congress thus adopts a quota
of 40% of women representation in leadership at all levels.
Congress notes the limitations on the part of government in the
area of HIV/AIDS, coupled with the deafening silence. We also note
that the union has done little, if anything at all in the area
of HIV/AIDS. We thus resolve to join hands with other progressive
forces e.g. TAC in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We make a commitment
to develop and implement our own HIV/AIDS programme with immediate
effect.
Congress notes the deliberate lack of consultation of relevant
stakeholders on the health human resource plan. We thus call for
suspension of the Health Human Resource Plan and the Health Charter
until such time that meaningful consultation has taken place.
Congress undertakes to deepen the campaign of transformation of
SANC to ensure that SANC is fully transformed in the second decade
of freedom.
We believe that education is central to empowerment of membership,
shop stewards and leadership - a critical tool for case handling,
negotiation and recruitment skills. Congress endorses the COSATU
position of 10% of the budget to be committed towards education.
Progress of the NDR
The demise of the NNP and the weakening of the IFP and the DA
mark a major shift in the balance of forces in favour of the democratic
forces led by the ANC.
Congress noted the current sporadic protest actions in various
parts of our country, apparently caused by lack of service delivery.
These actions if not properly managed, pose a threat to the participation
of communities in the forthcoming local government elections. We
therefore call on the alliance to act together in responding to
the protest of actions. We also reiterate our support to the ANC
in the forthcoming Local Government Elections. We further reiterate
the call made by our federation that the list processes must be
democratised in such a manner that it reflects the broader agreement
of the alliance.
ANC Deputy President
The Congress welcomes the recent developments within the alliance
regarding the matter of the ANC Deputy President, Jacob Zuma. The
Congress fully endorses the decision taken by both the ANC NEC
and the Alliance Secretariat to allow the Presidency of the ANC
to provide leadership of the movement.
Jobs & Poverty Campaign
The Congress is unequivocal in its support of the COSATU Jobs & Poverty
Campaign. We will mobilise our membership to fully participate
in the second phase of the campaign which will be characterised
by strike actions in all provinces.
On Thursday 29 September at Wits University, over 400 trade unionists
gathered to pay tribute to 100 of their number who have successfully
graduated from a demanding one year advanced trade union education
programme.
The programme, which is formally accredited by Wits University,
is provided by the union-owned Development Institute for Training,
Support and Education for Labour (DITSELA).
Ditsela is Sotho for Pathways, and its slogan is 'Pathways to a
Strong Labour Movement'. It is set to celebrate its tenth birthday
next year, and has been responsible for providing training for literally
thousands of worker leaders over this period. Though primarily funded
by the Department of Labour, it is an independent learning institute
that is owned and controlled by COSATU and FEDUSA, the two largest
federations in the country.
The comrade graduents received their advanced certificates for one
of four different courses in Labour Law, Women's Leadership, Organiser
Development and Leadership Development.
This is a remarkable achievement given the background and responsibilities
of those who have graduated, and is captured in an extract from a
poem written to celebrate the graduation.
Open Up the Doors of Learning!
One comrade
Studied by candlelight
Like a saint
Another in-between baby feeds
And another while watching over
A loved one wracked by pneumonia
One studied before daylight broke
And after endless meetings
The night before
With insecure workers
Struggling to understand
Why they were being retrenched
And made penniless by bosses
Who had no doubt graduated
Years before
And who now frankly
Couldn't give a damn.
The Graduation Ceremony was addressed by a range of speakers who
are at the cutting edge of promoting education to compensate for
the educational opportunities that were denied workers during the
apartheid era.
Though a serious event, it was also marked by poetry, singing, music
and dancing and the type of celebratory activity associated with
workers who are proud to be part of the trade union movement.
For more information about Ditsela, contact Stephen Faulkner on
011 403 2155 or steve@ditsela.org.za
4.Integrate Scorpions into
SAPS, says POPCRU
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) says it is
heartened by the prospect of having a single police force under
one command. "We actually think that the sentiments expressed
by the Minister of Safety and Security suggests that there is a
political will by Government to unite these agencies, which are
operating separately under the present system," declares the
union.
"We are glad that the Minister agrees with us that the balkanisation
of the policing fraternity is just not functional. Evidence points
out that these divisions have also led to resources and remuneration
disparities, an anomaly that has fed the antagonisms that nobody
desires. "Furthermore, this fragmentation militates against
efficient use of resources and the essence of 'unity of command'.
Currently,
these police agencies are operating independently and sometimes
there is duplication of work, with one agency not knowing what
the other agency is doing.
"We remain convinced that these agencies are competing instead
of complementing each other and the truth is, they are all competing
for police work. The above scenario is compelling enough to realign
safety and security. "Our position is informed by a constitutional
imperative that there shall be a single policing authority under
the command
of a National Police Commissioner and we actually think that the
debate on such integration is just a question of courtesy."
POPCRU has already made a submission to the Khampepe Commission
to argue for a single police authority and will remain vocal on
the issue until the constitutional stipulations are followed.
5. POPCRU welcomes crime
stastics
POPCRU has welcomed the statistics released by the Minister
of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, which indicate that
there has been a drop in 17 of our country's 21 most serious
crimes.
Says POPCRU: "We want to commend the good work that is
being done by our members in combating crime. These statistics
indicate that SAPS have the capacity to keep crime levels under
control and that the police are doing their best to apprehend
and arrest criminal elements.
"We also want to thank the members of the public for their
support because without their active participation in fighting
crime, these statistics could have risen. It is equally imperative
that, as the ministry boosts the reduction of crime, it must
also note that the question of remuneration is still a critical
issue that must be addressed in order to keep the morale of our
members high."
6.National Commissioner
of Correctional Services is failing department
POPCRU believes that the Statement by the National Commissioner
of Corrections, Mr Linda Mti, on 26 September 2005, that he does
not have the right people to do the work, is an admission of
failure.
"The main problem currently facing the department," the
union says, "is lack of leadership and management. So long
as we still have Mti heading the correctional services, this
Department will not go anywhere. Instead of driving the strategic
direction of the department, he wants to enlist the services
of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to screen employees.
"Mr Mti must know that the department of correctional services
is a department with employees who need leadership and direction,
not to be intimidated by bringing in spies. Mti and his managers
are ungrateful of the good work and service that has been provided
by our members under these appalling conditions.
"It's good that they have instituted an investigation under
the guise of fighting corruption, however their investigation
should not be selective. When are they starting with the investigation
on corrupt managers?"
7.CWU respects suspension
of Telkom Executives
The Communications Workers Union (CWU) says in a
statement that structures which were created in Telkom by the then
equity partners (Thintana Communications - constituted by SBC and
Malaysian Telecoms), through the Strategic Management Service Agreement,
have to be reviewed.
"It serves no purpose," says CWU, "to continue
with old structures that were dictated by the business plan driven
by an equity investor. Some of these structures were aimed at destroying
jobs and increasing profit for the expatriates, without addressing
the developmental needs of the country, and bridging the digital
divide.
"The suspension of any employee(s) pending the investigation
of his/her case is in compliance with the universal accepted norms.
Our members and other ordinary workers have undergone this process.
Although the rules that governed workers in the bargaining unit
and workers outside bargaining unit (particularly senior managers
and executives) differs fundamentally, they do not deviate from
the accepted labour laws.
"Therefore the suspension of the
Group Executive: Human Resources, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer,
and Group Executive: Investor
Relations should be respected, and the company be given the benefit
of doubt and not allow the universal practiced norms to cause any
brouhaha."
The union therefore urges all Telkom employees "to respect
the process and not allow any disgruntled executives to use them
as pawns for their unfulfilled desires".
8. Zimbabwe trade unionists
narrow escape
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has reported that
the General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Workers
Union (ZRDCWU), James Gumbi, escaped an alleged attack recently
when 11 people who claimed to be Central Intelligence operatives
and from the President's office visited his home during the night
looking for him. Apparently he was out of the city on union business
and they only talked to his sister.
In a report of the incident to the ZCTU Secretary General, Mr.
Gumbi said the group of people made it clear that he should stay
away from the ZCTU and they would 'kill him if he insisted'. The
group also turned violent and damaged Mr. Gumbi's vehicle. The
incident was reported to the Police in Warren Park surburb.
Mr. Gumbi believes that this group of people might belong to the
rebel group from ZCTU who call themselves the disgruntled affiliates
workers union.
The threat might have come after a ZCTU leadership meeting which
resolved to identify the so-called disgruntled unions and also
asked affiliated unions to write to the ZCTU declaring whether
the supported or did not support the ZCTU and its current leadership.
Mr. Gumbi made it clear that he would not be cowed into fear and
renege on his duty which he was given by his union to perform.
The ZCTU had been under attack from the disgruntled affiliates
who were accusing the current leadership of, among others things,
political involvement at the expense of workers' welfare, corruption
and the violation of the ZCTU constitution.
The accusations degenerated into verbal and physical attacks on
the ZCTU leadership which finally led to the suspension of the
four so called disgruntled affiliated union leaders from the ZCTU
General Council.
The ZCTU has made it clear that no threats or any human and trade
union rights would be tolerated.
9. Zimbabwe teacher victimised
by Central Intelligence Operations
On 27 September, the ZCTU sent the following letter to the President's
Office in Harare
Dear Sir
Victimisation and assault by CIO operatives on Harry Taruva of
Mambo High School
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) received with deep
concern a report from the Progressive Teachers Union (PTUZ) on
the victimisation of their member, Mr. Harry Taruva, an English
Teacher at Mambo High School in Gweru, by two men who claimed to
be Central Intelligence operatives on 20 September 2005.
The ZCTU is informed that 2 operatives (names supplied) driving
a white Mazda B1600 truck got to Mambo High School around 10:30
am on the day in question. They asked the headmaster, a Mr. Kututwa,
to release Mr. Taruva into their custody for questioning. It is
said that the headmaster refused and the officers forced the teacher
into their truck in full view of fellow teachers and students.
While at Agritex offices, infamously known a 'Chinyavada', Mr.
Taruva was interrogated and subsequently tortured for a number
of reasons among which are
1) Teaching opposition politics to students
2) Belonging to the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe
3) Associating with people like Raymond Majongwe, the General
Secretary
Mr. Taruva alleges that he was physically assaulted for more than
two hours and was forced to drink water from his shoes. Mr. Taruva
was further summoned to the offices of the operatives on 23 September
2005 where he was instructed to report on any activity that goes
on in the school. He was also informed that he could be taken at
anytime by the operatives when they so wished.
Such threats to a professional are unwarranted and only serve
to victimize and instill fear in the teaching profession.
The ZCTU would like to point out that Zimbabwe ratified Convention
98 (1998) and Convention 87 (2003) and is obliged to ensure that
trade unionists are allowed to exercise their legitimate rights
without interference. Workers must at all times feel secure when
discharging their duties.
It is our hope that appropriate action will be taken.
Yours Faithfully, Wellington Chibebe, Secretary General
INVITATION to trade union activists in Ekurhuleni
Partnership on Job Creation
The Local Economic Development Department cordially invites you
to attend a function to report-back on the Partnership between
the Municipality and the Labour Job Creation Trust. This partnership
has commenced with 25 cooperatives set up in the Cooperatives Industrial
Hives project, a catalytic local economic development project,
being supported.
DATE: 11 October 2005
TIME: 9h00
VENUE: New Council Chamber - Germiston
Please RSVP by 3 October 2005.
Rose (011) 741-2093 email; LED@Ekurhuleni.com
Vusi (011 741-2207 email; vusim@ekurhuleni.com
Support JZ - Have you made your donation yet?
Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust account with First National
Bank Durban - Account Number 62087217818; Branch Code 221426
is the only legitimate public account associated with the
former Deputy President. Members of the public wishing to
contribute to the defence costs are urged not to deposit
funds into any other account. Funds from the Trust account
will be routed directly to the legal team acting for Jacob
Zuma in the corruption trial.
A website has been established to provide updates on the
funds collected, fund-raising events as well as the trial.
It will allow members of the public to make suggestions for
fund-raising activities, or send messages of support to Jacob
Zuma. The web address is www.friendsofjz.co.za
A public SMS campaign has been commenced across all three
of South Africa's cellular networks. By SMSing the word "Zuma" to
36045, members of the public will contribute R5 to the fund.
The business service provider will provide monthly reconciliation
statements which will be posted on the website.
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