FEDUSA

Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) joins the calls of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for G20 leaders to provide direction and give a clear sense of commitment to addressing the global jobs crisis.

At the recent meeting of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers held in Paris from 26-27 September 2011, parties present committed to urgently renew efforts to promote the creation of decent jobs and support workers and their families affected by unemployment and precarious employment. The meeting between the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers is a precursor to the G20 Heads of Government summit, which will take place in Cannes in November 2011.

FEDUSA regularly voices its concern regarding both the international and domestic affects that the global recession has had and continues to have on the world economy and the many workers within it. FEDUSA is optimistic that the recommendations coming out of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers to ‘reemphasise employment as a key objective of economic policy’ will be taken forward to Cannes.

Continue reading FEDUSA CALLS FOR G20 TO TAKE THE LEAD ON JOB CRISIS

Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) has studied the recent ruling hand down by the Supreme Court of Appeal in the South African Transport & Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) v Garvis & others case, and consulted broadly within our structures to determine the impact that this ruling may have on our members and workers in general.

FEDUSA has always and will continue to condemn violence and destruction that emanates from protected strike action by any of our trade unions. This kind of damaging action by a few radical and undisciplined workers undermines the constitutional rights of the many workers to bargain collectively and embark on protected strikes.

“This ruling has highlighted what we are already doing in terms of taking reasonable steps, under the circumstances, to prevent foreseeable damage or injury. The right to strike is very much a constitutional right that our members may choose to exercise in line with legislation and protected strike action protocol,” said FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA COMMENTS ON STRIKE ACTION LIABILITY RULING

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) welcomed discussions emanating from the special session on Conference of Parties (COP17) with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane in Rosebank yesterday, however FEDUSA raised concerns that the transition to a greener economy shall not lead to the shedding of jobs.

The Social Partners, represented by Organised Labour, Organised Business and Government engaged around preparation for COP 17 as well as the implications and concerns stemming from the Green Economy and the possible technological and industry changes that will result from this move towards a greener economy.

”It is a well known fact that developing countries, especially African countries, will be the first to experience the negative effects of climate change. Stakeholders are going to have to come together and discuss the conflicting priorities of environmental and energy security,” commented George.

FEDUSA believes that climate change is a global problem that needs to be addressed amidst the serious conflicting concerns of poverty, inequality and social security. “The creation of green jobs must be a central consideration during the drawing up of our national economic recovery and growth plans, however FEDUSA emphasises that there has to be a just transaction from brown or ‘dirty’ technology, and the jobs associated therewith, to cleaner or ‘green’ jobs,” said George.

Continue reading FEDUSA CALLS FOR JUST TRANSITION

Business Unity SA (BUSA) and the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) concluded a bilateral meeting on 27 September 2011 at NEDLAC. The meeting discussed measures to create employment, skills development, education, corruption, improving the collective bargaining system and section 77 notices on acid mine drainage and toll roads. The BUSA delegation was led by the overall business convenor in NEDLAC, Dr Laurraine Lotter and the FEDUSA delegation was led by its General Secretary, Dennis George.

In view of the worsening unemployment problem, BUSA and FEDUSA agreed to find urgent short term measures that would assist to retain and enhance employment in a bid to stem job losses. It was also agreed that more support for enterprise development through greater assistance to SMME’s offered the best opportunity for job creation.

The social partners also shared a deep concern for the plight of unemployed youth and identified possible measures to create employment and to give adequate support to job seekers by offering them appropriate subsidies, particularly in the short term.

Continue reading FEDUSA AND BUSA COMMITTED TO JOB CREATION