FEDUSA

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) participated in the signing of the New Growth Path (NGP) Local Procurement Accord between Organised Labour, Organised Business and Government at the Union Buildings today.

The Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters attended the signing and pledged support from their respective departments, as representatives of Government, to increase local procurement and strengthen local manufacturing.

FEDUSA welcomes the signing of the Local Procurement Accord, which is in line with our Federation’s Congress Resolutions to support decent employment creation, increase the levels of goods and services bought from local producers in a bid to improve local economic development. What will however be important is that our national and provincial departments, municipalities and business community must come to the party in terms of the implementation of the Accord’s goals and deadlines,” commented FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA WELCOMES 75% LOCAL PROCUREMENT TARGET

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) participated in the 12th African Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Sandton this week. FEDUSA was encouraged by the focus on accelerating the decent work agenda in Africa, however noted with growing concern that despite economic growth, African countries are being plagued by rising youth unemployment, poverty, inequality and precarious working conditions.

FEDUSA takes cognisance of the progress that has been made in implementing the Decent Work Agenda in Africa over the past 4 years, however believes that more resources need to be directed towards addressing gender equality, youth unemployment, HIV and AIDS in the workplace, social protection and the implementation of International Labour Standards.

“It is no secret that economic growth alone will not be sufficient to create employment. South Africa needs to embark on an inclusive growth plan that includes a pro-employment macroeconomic framework and the setting of specific and quantitative employment targets in domestic and national policies. Greater cohesion must also take place between economic, financial, social and employment policies at a national level,” stated FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA WELCOMES EFFICIENT GROWTH, EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK IN AFRICA

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is currently participating in the 12th African Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) taking place in Sandton this week, and was in attendance during South African President, Jacob Zuma’s opening address.

FEDUSA believes that the meeting’s theme of Empowering Africa’s Peoples with Decent Work in particularly appropriate in these times of economic instability and inequality. “Decent work must be firmly placed on both domestic and regional agendas as a key policy priority for governments.  As South Africans we set an example by ensuring that worker rights are reflected in our Constitution,” stressed FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

FEDUSA supports President Zuma’s call for all African countries to place decent work firmly on the African agenda in order for individual countries to start considering how their national policies can reflect decent work. FEDUSA has and will continue to endorse social dialogue and collective action between all of South Africa’s Social Partners in Government, Organised Labour, Organised Business and the Community sector. “Inclusive dialogue and the collective efforts of all Social Partners will lead to comprehensive economic growth, development and the creation of decent jobs,” said George.

Continue reading FEDUSA WELCOMES OUR PRESIDENT’S COMMITMENT TO DECENT WORK

Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), international and local labour organisations and social partners in recognising the Day for Decent Work. While FEDUSA takes cognisance of the many elements that make up the decent work agenda, it would like to specifically promote decent work for young people now that the economic and financial crisis is rising in its second wave.

The situation for young workers is worsening. Since the economic and financial crisis has started, global unemployment figures have increased by more than 20 million people. Young people were among the first to experience the effects of the crisis.

After the completion of secondary and higher education, most young people can only offer their years of education and the education itself.  Some 85% of 15 to 24 year olds in South Africa have never had a job and due to the mismatch between labour demand and supply, people are unable to take up jobs that are available.

“South Africa’s growth potential cannot be unleashed without tapping into the large reservoir of unemployed people, particularly the 2.4 million young people who are not in employment, education or training,” stated FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

Continue reading FEDUSA CALLS FOR DECENT WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE