What are the 10 trade unions in South Africa?

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by ufiling

Here is some information about the 10 trade unions in South Africa:

  1. Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU): COSATU is the largest trade union federation in South Africa, representing over 20 affiliated unions. It was founded in 1985 and played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid. COSATU advocates for workers’ rights, improved wages, better working conditions, and social justice.
  2. National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA): NUMSA is one of the largest trade unions in South Africa, representing workers in the metal and engineering sectors. It is known for its militancy and has played a crucial role in various labor struggles. NUMSA focuses on workers’ rights, job security, and fair wages.
  3. South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU): SADTU represents educators and education workers in South Africa. It is affiliated with COSATU and is the largest teachers’ union in the country. SADTU advocates for quality education, improved working conditions for teachers, and better education policies.
  4. National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU): NEHAWU is a public sector union representing workers in various sectors, including health, education, and social services. It is affiliated with COSATU and has been involved in numerous strikes and campaigns for better wages, improved working conditions, and job security.
  5. Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU): POPCRU represents police officers, correctional services personnel, and traffic officers in South Africa. It is affiliated with COSATU and advocates for the rights and welfare of its members. POPCRU focuses on improving working conditions, professionalization of the police service, and the rights of prisoners.
  6. South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (SATAWU): SATAWU represents workers in the transport industry, including road, rail, and aviation sectors. It is affiliated with COSATU and campaigns for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions for transport workers.
  7. Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU): FAWU represents workers in the food and beverage industry, including agriculture, processing, and retail sectors. It is affiliated with COSATU and focuses on issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights in the food industry.
  8. South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU): SACCAWU represents workers in the retail, hospitality, and catering sectors. It is affiliated with COSATU and advocates for better wages, improved working conditions, and fair labor practices in these industries.
  9. South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU): SAMWU represents workers in local government and municipal sectors. It is affiliated with COSATU and campaigns for the rights of municipal workers, improved working conditions, and better service delivery.
  10. Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA): PSA represents public sector employees, including civil servants and employees in government departments. It is not affiliated with COSATU but is a significant trade union in South Africa. PSA focuses on issues such as fair wages, job security, and better working conditions for public sector workers.

These trade unions play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and welfare of workers in their respective sectors and contribute to shaping labor policies in South Africa.