Take back the unions for their members
Why South Africa needs to democratize its labor movement.
The 2016 NUMSA conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Image courtesy author CC BY 4.0.
What we are witnessing in the labor movement today is quite simply a tragedy. At a time when the working class is suffering as never before, leaders of South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) are tearing the young federation to pieces.
The working class needs this federation to strengthen and grow. It is the only potentially militant, independent grouping of trade unions in South Africa. And it is not just a question of the labor movement needing such a leading force. It is the working class movement as a whole. Community organizations are weakened if they are unable to get the active support of organized workers. Abahlali baseMjondolo needs the active support and resources of organized workers. The Xolobeni struggle for the Right to say No is strengthened by the support of a federation of workers.
The loss and the setback to the working class movement will be huge.
