FEDUSA

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is severely concerned by the recent killing of three police officers in the past three days.

“FEDUSA has previously expressed concern around the increasing number of police officers and police reservists that are being killed while on the job as well as when they are off duty. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of officers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.” said FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary, Krister Janse van Rensburg.

Fifty four police officers have been killed this year alone. “FEDUSA is calling for better training, awareness and protection for our police. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) should be protected at all times because they protect the country and the Constitution,” stated Janse van Rensburg.

Continue reading FEDUSA CALLS FOR AN END TO COP KILLINGS

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) severely condemns the actions of employers in the mining sector who failed to negotiate in good faith with FEDUSA’s affiliated trade union UASA.

“It is clear to us that it is the intension of the employer to provoke workers into strike action by deliberately coming to the negotiating table with miniscule and unacceptable wage offers to compensate workers,” commented FEDUSA Chamber of Mines Chief Negotiator, Franz Stehring.

UASA members working at Goedehoop, Klein Koppie, New Denmark and Isobonelo Collieries voted at the beginning of this week to join Solidarity and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the currently protected mining sector strike.

Continue reading FEDUSA SUPPORTS UASA’S MINING SECTOR STRIKE

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) will be attending the 6^th Education International World Congress, which will run from 22 July to 26 July 2011. FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, The Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga and the Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande will be addressing delegates.

The World Congress is held every four years and is the supreme governing body of Education International. Delegates will be discussing the important issues of achieving quality education, inclusive quality education for an inclusive society, trade unions working together at national and international levels, the future of education beyond the economic crisis.

The Educational International World Congress takes place on the back of the National Accords on Basic Education and Skills Development, signed by FEDUSA at the Union Buildings in Pretoria earlier this month.

“We is encouraged that this Accord recognises education as a societal issue, however these commitments cannot remain ineffective paper submissions and must be implemented and the necessary structural changes made. Ill-informed curriculum changes have impacted severely on teachers, learners and parents and bureaucracy within our higher education structures act as barriers to entry. We must identify the rotten apples within the education system. Ineffective and lazy teachers, corrupt training providers and poorly performing structures must be identified and dealt with,” stated Dennis George, FEDUSA General Secretary.

Continue reading FEDUSA ATTENDS THE 6TH EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL WORLD CONGRESS

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is deeply concerned with the ever-increasing cost of living. “Despite interest rates remaining the same, our members will not feel any economic reprieve going forward,” said FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Despite the decision of the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Gill Marcus, to keep the interest repurchase rate unchanged, administered prices such as the higher electricity and other municipal rates increases will still decrease workers’ disposable income.

“Our Gauteng-based members are also very concerned about the implications and affects that the proposed open road toll system (ORTS) will have on their income and cost of living,” commented George.

Continue reading FEDUSA CONCERNED WITH HIGHER COST OF LIVING FOR THE POOR