COSATU Today, 21 May 2013
Norman Mampane
COSATU Today
Our side of the story
Tuesday 21 May 2013
‘Strengthen COSATU for total emancipation’
Contents
Workers’ Parliament
Ø Media Alert: COSATU E-tolls system protest Press Briefing continues tomorrow at COSATU House
Ø Clothing workers protests against UCTA employers on compliance to agreements
Ø NUMSA on Mercedes-Benz strike interdict
Ø Enabling COSATU Members to Tweet Effectively
South Africa
Ø COSATU welcomes Catholic Church’s opposition to e-tolls
Ø President Zuma calls for swift justice on the death of young initiates in Mpumalanga
Ø ANC NEC meeting held on the 17th - 19th May 2013
Ø The Creative Workers Union of South Africa wishes to express its disappointment at the organizing of the AU’s 50th celebrations
Ø NEHAWU in Mpumalanga supports the call for national intervention in the Mpumalanga Health Department following the death of 25 initiates
Ø COSATU WC concerned about DA mismanagement of the Western Cape economy
International
Ø European Parliament vote is due date is today, 22 May! -Trade unions support European Parliament demands for EU action against wealthy tax dodgers!
Ø Face Up to Forced Labour-Video
Ø South Korea: 49 trade unionists arrested
Ø Communiqué: PSI Executive Board meeting, 16-17 May 2013
Ø With the Girls of Afghanistan: “The Pen is the Sword”
Ø Investor fear: risk shoppers turned off by Gap’s stand on Bangladesh
Comment
Ø COSATU’s Listening Campaign Questionnaire is assisting us in Pacific-Asia’-Inda Budiarti, PSI Pacific-Asia
Announcements
Ø Media Invitation to NEHAWU 10th National Congress
Ø NEHAWU vacancy for a Tshwane Regional Organizer
Ø NEHAWU Vacancy for a Vuyani Mabaxa Regional [Jhb] Organizer
Ø Africa Day & District Political Schools Launch Supported by Limpopo Arts And Culture Association [LACA] on the 25th May 2013
Ø Chris Hani Institute & City Press Public Debate Invitation!
Ø The South African Medical Association Vacancy for IR Advisor
Ø The South African Medical Association Vacancy for Organising and Bargaining Officer
Ø SACP Political Lecture in memory of Comrade Juda Tsotetsi Invitation!
Ø SAFM/Workers Wednesday coming schedule
Ø COSATU skinning in the game of social media-Enabling the trade union movement to nurture a communicative platform
Ø Follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter!-EI GS
Ø Follow ITUC Secretary General-Sharan Burrow
Workers’ Parliament!
Media Alert: COSATU E-tolls system protest Press Briefing continues tomorrow at COSATU House
Dumisane Dakile, COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 21 May 2013
The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions In Gauteng will unleash final preparations for protest against e-tolls system in Gauteng.
COSATU 11th National Congress in 2012 took a resolution o reject this system as ‘it is a form of privatization’ , with adverse impact on the pockets of workers in particular and the citizens in general.
E-tolls system will add a burden to the poor as large number of private vehicle users simply do have s single extra rand to spend on more than 40 gantries along Gauteng freeways.
COSATU will convene a Press Briefing tomorrow, 22nd May 2013 at COSATU House, 5th Floor at 11h00, joined by civil society organizations and student formations.
.For more information contact:
Cde Dumisane Dakile-COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary 082 727 1422
Cde Phutas Tseki-COSATU Gauteng Provincial Chairperson 082 498 5840
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Clothing workers protests against UCTA employers on compliance to agreements
Chris Gina, SACTWU’s 1st National Organising Secretary, 21 May 2013
Workers in the clothing industry took to the streets to express their anger towards UCTA employers who have failed to comply with the current Gazetted agreement in KwaZulu-Natal.
The now extended agreement came into effect on the 22nd April 2013 and UCTA employers have failed to comply with health and safety standards, failed to provide workers with proper payslips and failed to pay subscription fees to SACTWU.
The marches took place today from Bolton Hall to Silver Oak Avenue in Durban and Section 6 Yellow Street, Mdadeni to Riverside Industrial Area, Albert Vessel Street in Newcastle.
Issued by: SACWTU
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NUMSA on Mercedes-Benz strike interdict
Castro Ngobese, NUMSA National Spokesperson, 20 May 2013
The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) will uphold the court decision after Mercedes-Benz successfully interdicted our unprotected strike at its plant in East London, Eastern Cape province.
Our members have been engaging on lunch hour pickets, which escalated into full-blown unprotected strike action last week Friday 17 May 2013, to force the employer to concede to workers’ genuine and legitimate demands.
“We fully support the demands of our members. We call on the management to re-open doors of engagement in order to settle the dispute. And we will never allow our members to be bullied for exercising their democratic right to embark on a picket. The strike action was imposed on them after serious provocation and threats by the employer to subject all workers into a Kangaroo style Disciplinary process for picketing”, says Numsa National Treasurer Comrade Mphumzi Maqungo
The union representatives unsuccessfully tried to solicit a settlement agreement with the malodorous and big-headed employer pertaining to pertinent and legitimate grievances as soberly expressed by our members.
The engagements were in relation to the Transport Allowance and an end to outsourcing of work by the employer, as per standing agreements.
The union exhausted all possible avenues to engage with the Mercedes-Benz oligarchy with the sole intention of addressing these legitimate grievances of workers.
Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz oligarchy closed all doors of engagement and decided to use the courts to suppress dissent and liquidate our demands.
The union rejects this cheap tactic taken by Mercedes-Benz oligarchy and their failures to adhere to collective bargaining agreements.
We view their poisonous behavior as an ideological onslaught against workers’ rights to collective bargaining and improved conditions of employment as promulgated in the Labour Relations Act of 1996.
The union’s leadership is currently in discussion with the workers in order to determine the next cause of action.
We strongly believe that these legitimate demands can be resolved or addressed by Mercedes-Benz oligarchy, given the fact that these demands are a dominant and fundamental feature in our collective bargaining agreements.
We refuse to allow employer’s cheaply using the backdoor by wanting to steal workers hard won benefits during the bargaining negotiations.
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Enabling COSATU Members to Tweet Effectively
Introduction to COSATU Official Twitter Accounts
Ø @COSATU2015
Official tweets on current affairs, ideological disposition and for a Question & Answer platform
Ø @COSATU TODAY _cosatu
Seconds- COSATU roving official tweets on events, quotable sound-bites on speeches/interviews, newsflash etc.
How to Register a COSATU Member Twitter Account
Ø Go Google and type twitter/sign up
Ø Versions of name/surname must be completed
Ø Choose a username/password and don’t forget them
Ø Update your profile; picture, bio
o Picture size should be 700k
o Bio-short narrative who you are
Ø Examples of Bio; Africa's largest Federation Official tweets, the home of the toiling classes across the world, with more than 2million membership...Amandla! Johannesburg, South Africa · http://www.cosatu.org.za
Ø Choose who to follow and type @cosatu2015 and @COSATU TODAY _cosatu
Ø And you’re skinning in the game through COSATU tweets
Communicating messages that matter is like artwork
Social Media generation is here and is unavoidable
‘Let’s skin in the game of COSATU Tweets’
South Africa
COSATU welcomes Catholic Church’s opposition to e-tolls
Patrick Craven, National Spokesperson, 21 May 2013
The Congress of South African Trade Unions warmly welcomes the Catholic Church’s strong condemnation of the Gauteng e-tolling system.
The Church said on Monday, 20 May, that:
Ø “It is totally unacceptable for government to charge people to use existing roads”,
Ø “It is simply unacceptable to toll an existing stretch of road without providing alternative routes” and
Ø “There should be a transparent discussion on why e-tolling costs this much”.
This echoes the federation’s view that e-tolling is a form of privatisation of an existing public asset – our public roads - which should be a public service paid for through taxation and not a commodity for sale to those with money.
COSATU particularly welcomes the Church’s concern over the effect of e-tolling on the poor. This is totally in line with the federation’s rejection of the fallacy that opposition to e-tolling comes only from middle class people.
On the contrary, thousands of workers have no alternative to driving their cars to and from work, because of the lack of a reliable public transport service and will therefore suffer a steep increase in their transport costs. Poor consumers will also be hit by the inevitable higher prices in the shops, as haulage firms pass on the cost of the tolls to the retailers, who will then pass this on to their customers.
The Church says it will publicly support the court case against tolling being brought by the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance against the South African National Roads Agency Limited.
COSATU applauds the Church’s call for people not to buy e-tags or collaborate with the e-tolling of Gauteng's highways.
We urges church members to join the next phase of rolling mass action on in Johannesburg on 24 May and Ekurhuleni on 31 May. Details will be announced shortly.
The federation appeals again to the government to listen to the rising chorus of opposition to e-tolling, scrap the tolls and provide an efficient, reliable, affordable and safe public transport service.
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President Zuma calls for swift justice on the death of young initiates in Mpumalanga
The Presidency, 21 May 2013
President Jacob Zuma has expressed his shock and outrage at the death of more than 25 young men during what was reported as initiation and circumcision rituals at various places across the Mpumalanga province.
“The whole country is outraged at this massive and unnecessary loss of young life at the hands of those who are supposed to nurture and protect them. While we welcome action taken by Police so far in opening murder dockets, we wish to urge them to ensure swift justice for the families and that those responsible for the deaths are brought to book without delay”, said President Zuma.
President Zuma has also conveyed his sincerest condolences to all the families affected and re-assured them of government’s determination to ensure young men’s passage to manhood was safe and without death or harm in the future.
“It cannot be acceptable that every time young men reach this crucial time in their development, their lives are culled in the most painful of ways, in the care of circumcision schools,” added the President.
Issued by: The Presidency
Cape Town
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ANC NEC meeting held on the 17th - 19th May 2013
Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General, 20 May 2013
We would like to start off by asking for a moment of silence in honour of one of the greatest journalists of our time who was growing fast into prominence, Vuyo Mbuli.
The National Executive Committee of the African National Congress met in its regular meeting over three days 17th - 19th May 2013, at Saint George Hotel. The meeting received the President`s overview, the report of the National Working Committee and reports from the NEC Subcommittees.
The report on International Relations was discussed extensively with a focus on the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU. The ANC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the building of a better Africa and a better world.
The celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the OAU/ AU starting on the 25th May 2013 will help the movement lead the process of educating South Africans about the journey travelled by the continent over the last fifty years, mainly focusing on the liberation of every piece of the African soil from colonisation and racial domination.
The discussion paper on Africa added details to this discussion.
The NEC was reminded that in the document “Ready to Govern: ANC policy Guidelines for a Democratic South Africa” the ANC re-committed itself that; “A democratic South Africa will actively promote the objectives of democracy, peace, stability, development and multi-beneficial relations among the people of Africa as a whole as well as Pan African solidarity”.
NEC decided to affirm the correctness of this approach in the face of the growing hostility against the continent by opposition forces.
In the face of the growing anti-majoritarian positioning of the opposition forces and the agitation for discontent, the ANC will continue telling the story of our country as is and therefore remind society of the progress made over the last twenty years.
Amongst issues discussed and approved by the NEC was the assessment of the 53rd National Conference in Mangaung. The meeting was unanimous that the conference was a resounding success from various points of view. Some of the issues are; policy outcomes, planning and logistics, conduct of delegates and smooth electoral process. The NEC agreed that further discussions be undertaken on a number of issues related to the future conferences. These are; fixed venue for national conferences, deciding early on the logistical details of the 54th National Conference.
The NEC discussed the state of the trade union movement in the country. It considered factors that led to the creation of labour federations in the country and the fact that this provided an opportunity to harmonise labour relations and labour practices.
The meeting further noted that the recent attacks on NUM and Satawu is infact an attack on Cosatu as a federation and on the Congress Movement as a whole.
The ANC resolved to develop a comprehensive programme of engagement with individual unions.
The officials were directed to engage COSATU on an ongoing basis.
The NEC was also given a report on preparations for the Alliance Economic Summit with the Economic Transformation Committee of the ANC being the driver of the process. The Summit will take place at the end of June.
The NEC approved the name of Comrade Amos Masondo as the National Coordinator of the elections campaign for 2014 elections. The name of Comrade Manne Dipico was approved as the ANC`s National List Coordinator and that he will be deputized by a woman. The NEC also approved the establishment of a List Committee to be headed by the Secretary General of the ANC, Comrade Gwede Mantashe.
The meeting also endorsed the name of Thami KaPlaatjie as a senior researcher to be placed at the ANC`s Policy Institute.
In this regard he will be responsible for research and the support Monitoring and Evaluation unit.
He will also coordinate and guide the work of young researchers that will be deployed in the Institute.
The NEC also approved two names to be added to the Integrity Commission, these are Barbara Masekela and Bongi Dlomo. These additions will bring the number of Commissioners to twelve.
In terms of the continuing work on provinces by the NWC, the NEC received reports and took decisions on issues affecting the Tlokwe Municipality in the North West and Lukhanji (Queenstown) in the Eastern Cape.
In addition to the work done, the NWC was given a task of meeting all the councilors in all the provinces to consolidate work that was started in 2012
The NEC meeting received reports from the following subcommittees; Policy, Elections, International Relations, Political Education and Economic Transformation.
All these subcommittees gave progress report and recommended decisions as part of their functional responsibilities. The NEC has expressed satisfaction on the work done by these NEC Subcommittees.
The NEC endorsed the President`s initiative to go to Eldorado Park on the invitation of the community in their plight for a need to fight against drugs and drugs abuse. The view of the meeting is that the battle against drugs must be won to save those addicted to them.
In this regard the NEC has directed the relevant Sub-committees working together with government departments to follow through on this matter.
As the ANC we cannot be a spectator what has become a cancer destroying and eating our society and our nation.
The NEC agreed to take the campaign on the scourge of violence against women and children to a higher level.
The relevant subcommittee of the ANC will lead this campaign.
SA report on the landing of the Jet Airways plane in Waterkloof Military Base was presented and discussed.
The NEC agreed to wait for the report of the DGs as commissioned by the Ministers in the security cluster. The report has now been finalized and made public.
The ANC welcomes the outcome of the investigation. We appreciate details contained in the report and clarity given. It provides the basic information on what happened. This will help the parliamentary debate on Wednesday.
We are confident that the relevant Ministers will take the process to its logical conclusion so that this incident does not repeat itself.
Reports were received on the provincial conference of the Free State and the Provincial General Council of KZN.
The outcomes of the Provincial Conference were endorsed as the NEC was convinced that the processes were thorough and reputable and the new leadership of the Free State was welcomed together with the Chairperson of KZN province. Progress reports were received from both the NTT of the ANCYL and the PTT of Limpopo.
Issued by:
SG Gwede Mantashe
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The Creative Workers Union of South Africa wishes to express its disappointment at the organizing of the AU’s 50th celebrations
Eugene Mthethwa (Acting General Secretary - CWUSA), 20 May 2013
The Creative Workers Union of South Africa is deeply disturbed by the manner in which Motale Group has been conducting itself as the middleman/labour broker entrusted with the role of procuring the services of artists and creative minds from South Africa for the 50th Celebrations of the AU’s existence.
This is in the wake of the AU been led by one of our struggle icons, the honourable Dr Nkosazane Dlamini-Zuma who is known for standing up for ordinary people’s human rights, transformation and delivery of services at all cost.
If there is one thing that as the cultural sector we should appreciate and support by all means necessary, especially coming out of the 11th COSATU National Congress, it is the call for the burning of labour brokers for the very reason that we find ourselves having to put up such an unnecessary fight for the rights of our artists and creative minds who are expected to cede their rights at the price of their performance fee.
As Africa stands to celebrate its 50 years of existence within the unity of solidarity, the ability to stand for the emancipation of the African Continent from the legacy of colonialism, economic exclusion and socio-political disadvantages that reduced Africans into slaves and beggars of crumbs falling from the master’s table, we find it difficult to accept the arrogance exuded by the Motale Group because of the borrowed cheque book that they have in their possession, and going around expecting creative workers to succumb to their terms and their terms only, or one having to lose even the list that they are OFFERING!
This is also a disregard of the UNESCO’s universal declaration on Cultural Diversity in particular the preferential treatment that puts the protection and promotion of African culture at the centre of the socio-economic development in consideration of the socio-political history. It is even worse when one considers the negativity of the treatment that our cultural practitioners are subject to regardless of a special treatment afforded to Africa under the Preferential Treatment.
“Article 16 – Preferential treatment for developing countries
Developed countries shall facilitate cultural exchanges with developing countries by granting, through the appropriate institutional and legal frameworks, preferential treatment to artists and other cultural professionals and practitioners, as well as cultural goods and services from developing countries.”
CWUSA finds this disturbing and unbecoming of the AU’s association with such a company that exercises dictatorship against the values that AU stands for.
We are therefore calling for government (DIRCO, DAC and DTI) and COSATU as the mother body of the South African labour movements, to intervene in the fight to stop this anarchy of a labour broker and the disguised new form of a “post-modern cultural colonization” that is creeping under the carpet of the AU.
We shall continue to sing “we shall overcome” until all Africans have attained self-determination to be who they want to be and recognized for their worth and not their need or desperation!
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NEHAWU in Mpumalanga supports the call for national intervention in the Mpumalanga Health Department following the death of 25 initiates
Sizwe Motha, NEHAWU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, 20 May 2013
NEHAWU in Mpumalanga has noted with concern some statements made by the MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini that seeks to create the impression that our union in the province does not support the call made by our national office, for a national intervention in the provincial health department.
An impression is being made that our provincial structures are distancing themselves from the call for national intervention by our national office.
We want to categorically make it clear that our structures in the province support all decisions taken by our national union including the call for the intervention in the provincial health department following the death of initiates.
NEHAWU is not a federal organisation with autonomous structures but is a progressive and disciplined unitary union.
We are a national union that subscribes to democratic centralism and we despise any attempts to divide our union by making false insinuations.
What the province need is a clear and unambiguous message from the MEC combined with bold and decisive leadership.
While we fully support culture and traditions and will defend the right of individuals to practice them, we view the number of dead initiates as an unpardonable violation of the rights of the young initiates.
In a crisis situation there can be no conflicting messages.
The flagrant compromise of health standards by the traditional surgeons cannot be tolerated.
These young people were and continue to be subjected to slow and painful deaths. In a civilized society like ours, that is unacceptable and we are adamant that this country needs to elevate the standards of accountability.
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat Office
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COSATU WC concerned about DA mismanagement of the Western Cape economy
Tony Ehrenreich, COSATU Western Cape Provincail Secretary, 20 May 2013
The latest Stats SA figures show that the Western Cape is the only Province over the last year where jobs were lost.
These figures also clearly reflect that as one of the key Industrial centres of SA, we need to be developing the economy in a way that creates more jobs - not less.
These job losses are indicative of where the benefits of economic growth in Western Cape are going, i.e. mainly to the white communities, with a sprinkling of blacks.
COSATU’s concern is that the Job growth potential of the Western Cape economy is undermined by the economic trajectory that the W Cape and Cape Town economy is being put on.
It’s a trajectory that sees the old white businesses getting big Government jobs and the Insurance Companies being allowed to give white businesses the main jobs.
This jobs problem of the W Cape economy is being compounded by the growing levels of inequality in the W Cape, a direct result of this DA focus, or, silence in favour of the Status Quo.
The DA would want to remind us that the Western Cape and Cape Town has the lowest levels of inequality and unemployment.
This is true as a historical fact, but the stark reality is that the Western Cape and Cape Town are going backwards in respect of these 2 key indicators. Since the DA took over, the levels of Unemployment and inequality are growing in the W Cape - from what it was before, whilst still being lower than elsewhere in the Country.
But clearly it’s heading in the wrong direction if you are part of the Black community and in the right direction if you are part of the white community.
This inequality also completely undermines the equal economic conditions necessary to promote greater economic growth, which is Job creation. The reality is that the levels of money going to the white community is greater than it was under apartheid in the Western Cape and this promotes conspicuous consumptions of imported products by these elites.
It is when working class communities earn more, through more job opportunities and higher wages that demand is generated for local demand.
It is ultimately this local demand that leads to more manufacturing jobs being created.
The economic trajectory is not just a random consequence of market forces, it is the deliberate actions of the DA to defend and continue the Apartheid generational advantages in the Western Cape.
These facts are now finally born out of what the DA has been trying to hide with their spin doctors.
International
European Parliament vote is due date is today, 22 May! -Trade unions support European Parliament demands for EU action against wealthy tax dodgers!
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), 21 May 2013
As the European Parliament is due to vote on 22 May on the report on Fight against Tax Fraud, Tax Evasion and Tax Havens by MEP Kleva Kekuš (SL, S&D), European trade unions encourage all MEPs to support it.
The draft report proposes concrete steps towards banning all tax havens and forcing transnational companies to pay their fair share of taxes on the huge profits they make. If adopted, it will send strong signals to the EU Summit on 22 May.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), which organizes, amongst others, workers in tax services, have been demanding for years from the EU concrete binding actions for tax justice and the end of ruthless tax competition, not empty promises.
At a time when workers across Europe are facing deep austerity and the longest period of recession in the history of the European Union, tax justice is of the utmost importance. As austerity measures are coordinated at EU level, surely EU leaders can agree binding measures to cut down on tax dodging.
Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, EPSU General Secretary states that "It is estimated that one trillion Euros are lost to tax evasion and avoidance every year in the European Union, where cuts in public spending have been amongst the deepest and public anger is understandably growing. On top of that, as our research has shown, in most EU countries, austerity is depleting the tax services of the capacity of collecting taxes. If governments are serious about tackling the tax fraud industry they must ensure that tax administrations have the sufficient human and material resources to do so”.
The EP report demands swift adoption in Council of the revised Directive on Taxation of Savings Income in the form of interest payments, and of the 2011 draft Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, and to extend country-by-country reporting for cross-border companies to all sectors.
Bernardette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary says: “Today it is clear to all that bank secrecy, offshore centres and tax havens steal revenue needed to finance our social welfare, as well as preventing sustainable growth. This, together with austerity policies across Europe, has greatly contributed to the increase in inequality, with global wealth now concentrated in the hands of a tiny minority. This undermines democratic institutions that are hijacked by powerful economic lobbies. It is time to act. We trust that if adopted, the European Parliament’s report will not be ignored by EU governments”.
For more information contact,
EPSU: Pablo Sanchez psan...@epsu.org +32 474 62 66 33
ETUC: Patricia Grillo pgr...@etuc.org +32 2 224 04 30
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Face Up to Forced Labour-Video
ILO, 21 May 2013
Following two devastating fires at ready-made garment factories in 2012 and early 2013, in which a total of 120 workers died and many others were injured, the tripartite constituents of the ILO - government, employers and workers - developed a National Tripartite Plan of Action on Fire Safety for the Ready-Made Garment Sector in Bangladesh.
One of the activities in the Plan of Action, which came into being in March 2013, is to develop and deliver mass worker education tools to promote safety and health in the ready-made garments sector.
This animation is a first step towards developing such tools and provides tripartite partners and other stakeholders with a simple but effective resource to raise worker awareness of safety and health issues.
The ILO encourages individual organizations to download and share the animation and use it in awareness raising activities.
http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/multimedia/video/public-service-announcements/WCMS_213768/lang--en/index.htm
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Investor warning: risk shoppers turned off by Gap’s stand on Bangladesh safety deal
Anita Gardner, IndustriALL Global Union Director of Communications,21 May 2013
Investors warned, ahead of today’s Gap AGM, the company is out of touch on Bangladesh Safety Accord and risks shoppers’ anger. 40 leading worldwide retail brands have agreed to sign up to the safety deal but Gap, along with Walmart, has declined.
IndustriALL and UNI Global Union say the door is still open for Gap to sign up to the multi-stakeholder accord but time is running out as the 45 day implementation programme begins. The recent factory tragedies, including Rana Plaza, Bangladesh have graphically illustrated the urgency of multinationals, such as Gap, taking responsibility for the safety of workers producing their garments.
IndustriALL Global Union General Secretary, Jyrki Raina said:
Gap has a reputation as being ethical with strong leadership in corporate social responsibility. Today it has a golden opportunity to show this reputation is genuine and not just a part of its US$600 million PR campaign. Gap should act and join the Accord. It is not yet too late to reassure investors and shoppers it’s ready to do the right thing.
UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said:
Investors give Gap CEO Glenn Murphy the message – the Bangladesh Accord has been launched and you are being left behind, isolated and alone, along with Walmart. Gap shoppers will not forgive you if you do not get behind this safety deal.
Now is not the time for Gap to be enlisting Washington insiders to influence the White House and the Hill. They are getting lost in the corporate corridors of spin. Producing a new website won’t help Bangladeshi factory workers. Gap must step up, stop fudging, and take responsibility.”
Gap is holding its annual general meeting today Tuesday 21 May, 10.00 (Pacific Daylight Time) and the Bangladesh Safety Deal is expected to be raised by investors.
Contacts
Tom Grinter, IndustriALL, Mobile: +41 79 79 693 44 99, TGri...@industriALL-Union.org
Richard Elliott, UNI Global Union, Mobile: +41 79 794 9709, richard...@uniglobalunion.org
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South Korea: 49 trade unionists arrested
Teresa Marshall, PSI Communications Coordinator, 21 May 2013
49 trade unionists, members of PSI affiliate Korean Government Employees’ Union (KGEU), were arrested yesterday, Monday 20 May, for holding a sit-in in front of the Ministry of Security and Public Administration.
The KGEU launched this sit-in in front of the Ministry of Security and Public Administration on 1st of May 2013, following a month-long hunger strike by its President Kim Jungnam and KGEU leadership to urge the government and National Assembly to resolve urgent KGEU demands, in particular to normalise labour relations, recognize the KGEU and reinstate dismissed workers. during a regular session of the National Assembly.
Last week, the KGEU requested an official meeting with the minister for security and public administration which was denied and notified to the KGEU last Friday. The KGEU then decided to have an overnight sit-down with its executive committee and dismissed members in order to request a meeting with the minister yesterday on Monday 20th May.
This morning around 11am, out of desperation, KGEU members tried to force their way in to the government complex to obtain the meeting.
The police arrived and arrested 49 members (all KGEU dismissed members) including president Kim Jungnam for conducting a sit-in in front of the Ministry of Security and Public Administration.
The KGEU will be holding a press conference in front of the Ministry of Security and Public Administration calling for an apology for the arrests and the immediate release of all arrestees.
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Communiqué: PSI Executive Board meeting, 16-17 May 2013
Teresa Marshall, PSI Communications Coordinator, 21 May 2013
Ninety affiliate leaders of Public Services International, headed by 36 Executive Board titular members, met 16-17 May 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss issues facing public service workers and to adopt PSI action priorities for 2013 and beyond. Highlights from this meeting are outlined below.
- Angered by increasing attacks on the rights of public service workers and use of the economic crisis as an excuse to attack public services and public service workers’ trade union rights;
- Alarmed at the rising inequality in all parts of the globe and the shameless increase of wealth of the very rich while working people pay the price;
- And unwilling to accept the drastic rise in unemployment in many countries, especially the harmful effects on young unemployed people;
PSI affiliates are:
- United in our commitment to build the collective power of public service workers to defend public services and address inequality;
- United in working with our communities to advance quality public services for the common good;
- And united in making every effort to ensure that the democratic rights of public service workers are respected.
Further to the 2013-2017 Programme of Action “Social Justice through Quality Public Services and Trade Union Rights,” the core resolution endorsed by PSI affiliates at the recent World Congress – defending trade union rights and promoting quality public services are affirmed as central to every PSI activity.
- Events such as the “Global Route of Shame” bicycle ride to highlight national trade union rights abuses during the International Labour Conference (ILC) 2013 will continue and be expanded -
- As will our world class research highlighting the benefits of quality public services.
Endorsed specific actions:
- Focus on growth, organising, and building union strength in all that we do
- Engage with affiliates in tax justice campaigns at local, national and international levels
- Fight unfair trade deals that weaken public services, public procurement and workers’ rights
- Fight corruption in public services
- Advance the campaign to end violence against women
- Strengthen sectoral activities and coordination
- Defend public service workers’ trade union rights
In conclusion, we are:
- Reminded that PSI is the embodiment of our unions and members;
- Committed to building a bigger, stronger and more visible PSI;
- And united in working for the alternative to neo-liberal austerity policies, which includes fighting for quality public services and advancing public services trade unions rights all around the world.
Attachments
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With the Girls of Afghanistan: “The Pen is the Sword”
UNESCO, 20 May 2013
They want to be teachers, doctors and scientists, a dream that would not have been possible just ten years ago.
On 18 March, throngs of girls lined up singing and clapping to welcome UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, and Afghanistan’s Education Minister Farooq Wardak to the Ayesha-e-Durrani school in Kabul.
The school, named after the first woman who opened a girls’ school in Afghanistan, was severely damaged during the war. Reconstruction started in 2002 and lasted two years. Today, the school welcomes 1600 girls from Grade 1 through the high school years.
It was a moment to praise the achievements of this country that has made strides since 2001 when not a single girl was in school.
“We started from below the ground. We have lost two to three generations through war and conflict," said Minister Wardaq. “Today 10.5 million Afghan children are going to school, 40 percent of them are girls. Our strategy has been built around community empowerment, ownership and multiple learning pathways.”
Together, the Director-General and the Minister toured classes of biology, chemistry and physics, where students demonstrated experiments with microscopes, test tubes and energy generation devices. They stopped in geography, computer science and handicrafts classes to watch girls at work on sewing machines.
The girls know that they belong to a new generation. One young student shared her feelings on the pre- and post-Taliban era by reciting a poem, recalling that under the Taliban, “we the girls did not have the freedom to walk in the street and in the open air, to look at the sky.”
“Here in this school I see the results of our work. You have one of the youngest populations in the world. You are the ones who will take the future of your country into your own hands, girls and boys together,” said Ms Bokova. “I have come here with a strong message of support. You are a country of ancient traditions and of young talent. You have the right to make choices and to `take your life into your own hands.”
The journey is still a long one. Three million children remain out of school, 70 percent of them are girls. One of the head teachers at the school explained that the staff meets twice a month to discuss problems that girls face. “We work with the parents to convince them to send their girls to school. We have recently organized short term courses for teacher volunteers and have opened literacy classes.”
The case of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who was the victim of an assassination attempt by the Taliban last year, was cited on several occasions. “We face daily Malala cases in our country. There is a disturbing trend of girls being poisoned, with some 4,000 cases reported. In Kandahar, there are cases of acid being thrown into the face of girls,” said the Minister. He explained that education is interrupted by early marriage or because schools are considered unsafe. “They don’t have a boundary wall, drinking water, electricity and separate latrines. They lack qualified teachers and books. We need your support. We ask you to take our message to the world.”
“I know there are many courageous girls in Afghanistan who have to overcome obstacles to go to school. We have to support and respect them. This is their right. I want to pay respect to all these girls,” said Ms Bokova. “I saw a slogan on the wall of your school that read ‘our pen is our sword’. This should be the future. Instead of guns, the pen. Girls can be in the front run of this fight. Continue to study and to learn. This is not against any religious belief. This is the best thing you can do for your family, your community and your country.”
__________________
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Tom Grinter, IndustriALL & Richard Elliott, UNI Global Union ,21 May 2013 |
Investors warned, ahead of today’s Gap AGM, the company is out of touch on Bangladesh Safety Accord and risks shoppers’ anger. Gap sign up now. See list of companies who have signed up | |
39 leading worldwide retail brands have agreed to sign up to the safety deal but Gap, along with Walmart, has declined. | |
Comment
‘COSATU’s Listening Campaign Questionnaire is assisting us in Pacific-Asia’-Inda Budiarti, PSI Pacific-Asia
Dear comrades,
Kindly assist for this attached questionnaire on economic inequality that COSATU could help in joining this survey
I am very appreciated if you could assist and send back the survey to Ms. Edlira Xhafa from Global Labour University
Thank you very much
Indah
NB: We, PSI Pacific-Asia has one similar to your being done! See below...
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Economic Inequality and Trade Union Strategies
PART 1: RESPONDENT’S INFORMATION
1. Country: ................................................................
2. Trade union density in the country (please use official data)
3. Name of trade union: .........................................................................................................
4. Type of union: 1 Local
1 Federation
1 Confederation
1 Other, please specify: ................................................
5. Years of operation or existence of the union: ......................................
6. Sectors where membership is drawn:
1 Multiple/various sectors; please specify: ..................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
1 Single sector, please specify: ....................................................................................
7. Proportion of membership:
1 Male: ..............%
1 Female: ...........%
1 Youth: .............% (specify age range: ....................)
8. Is your union affiliated with a political party in your country?
1 Yes, please specify the name of the political party: ..................................................
1 No
9. Name of respondent: ...................................................................................
10. Position in the union: ...........................................................................
PART 2: Trade Union Policies and Strategies Combating Economic Inequality
Period covered: the last 10 years
1. What are the indicators of economic inequality in your country?
a. Declining real wages
b. Increasing wage gaps in the labour market
c. Increasing profit margins for companies
d. Worsening job security and increasing precarisation of work
e. Reduction in welfare benefits
f. Others, please specify .............................…………………………………………………….. ………………………...................……………………………………………………………………………
2. What are your union’s views on the causes of economic inequality? ………………………………….
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What are your union’s views on the impact of economic inequality? ………………………………….
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Using the following scale, please rate the level of importance (in terms of coming up with strategies) of the following in your trade union agenda: 1 - Very Important; 2 – Important; 3 - Moderately Important; 4 - Of Little Importance; 5 – Unimportant
4.1 
Economic inequality in society as a whole …………………………………………………….
4.2 
Economic inequality among all workers, union or non-union members ……….
4.3 
Economic inequality among union members ………………………………………………..
5. In what areas has your union developed policy proposals to address economic inequality? (Please encircle all applicable responses and elaborate shortly those policies which your union has developed.)
a. Wages and incomes policy (short summary: …………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
b. Unemployment policy (short summary: ………………………………..…………………...................... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
c. Employment planning (short summary: …………………………………..………………......................
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
d. Social protection (short summary: ………………………………..…………………………....................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
e. Job security (short summary: ……………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
f. Labour standards (short summary: ………………………………..…………………………..................... ………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………)
g. Labour productivity (short summary: ……………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
h. Employment policy for women (short summary: ……………………………….…………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
i. Employment policy for youth (short summary: …………………………………..………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
j. Employment policy for people with disabilities (short summary: ………………………………..…. …………………………………………………………………………………………….............................................)
k. Policy for informal workers (short summary: ………………………………..………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
l. Policy for migrant workers (short summary: …………………………………..……………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
m. Other policies, please specify and summarise shortly …………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. What is/have been your union’s strategy in advancing its policy proposals? (Please encircle all applicable responses and elaborate shortly.)
a. Minimum wage (short summary: ……………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
b. Unemployment benefits (short summary: ………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..)
c. Pensions (short summary: ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
d. Universal income floor (short summary: ………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
e. Universal social security coverage (short summary: ………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
f. Universal access and quality public services (short summary: ………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
g. Cash transfers (short summary: ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
h. Living wage (short summary: …………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
i. Expanding collective bargaining coverage (short summary: …………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
j. Training and re-training (for higher value-adding) (short summary: ….…………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
k. Effective labour market information systems (short summary: ……………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….)
l. Enhanced public employment services (short summary: ..……………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
m. Gender-responsive budgeting (short summary: ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….)
n. Other strategies, please specify and summarise …………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………...................................
7. Please identify one particularly successful programme of your union to address issues of economic inequality. ………………………………………………………………………………………………. ...……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Why do you consider it successful (what are the indicators of success)? ……………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………................................................
9. How would you assess the success of your union’s policy proposals? (Please tick or cross the applicable response.)
| Very high 4 | High 3 | Fair 2 | Poor 1 |
a. Wages and incomes policy |
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b. Unemployment policy ………………………………………………. |
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c. Employment planning………………………………………………… |
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d. Social protection ………….…………………………………………… |
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e. Job security ………………………………………………………………. |
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f. Labour Standards …………………………………………………….. |
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g. Labour productivity …………………………………………………… |
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h. Employment policy for women ………………………………… |
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i. Employment policy for youth …………………………………… |
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j. Employment policy for people with disabilities ………… |
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k. Policy for informal workers ……………………………………….. |
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l. Policy for migrant workers ……………………………………….. |
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m. Other policy proposals ……………………………………………. |
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10. How would you assess the success of your union’s strategies? (Please tick or cross the applicable response.)
| Very high 4 | High 3 | Fair 2 | Poor 1 |
a. Minimum Wage …………………………...………………………….. |
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b. Unemployment benefits …………………………………………… |
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c. Pensions …………………………………………………………………… |
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d. Universal income floor ……..……………………………………… |
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e. Universal social security coverage …………………………… |
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f. Universal access and quality public services ..……. |
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g. Cash transfers ……………………………............................... |
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h. Living wage ……………………………................................. |
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i. Expanding collective bargaining coverage ………………… |
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j. Training and re-training ………………..…………………………….. |
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k. Labour market information systems .............................. |
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l. Gender-responsive budgeting ………............................ |
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m. Public employment services......................................... |
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n. Other strategies…………………..………………………………….. |
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11. What are the main constraining factors to the successful implementation of your union’s strategies to reduce economic inequality? (Please elaborate for each of the strategies your union employs).
a. Minimum wages ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b. Unemployment benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c. Pensions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d. Universal income floor..........................................................................................................
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e. Universal social security coverage ........................................................................................
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f. Universal access and quality public services ……………………………………………………………………. .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
g. Cash transfers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
h. Living wage ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
i. Expanded collective bargaining ..……………………………………………………………………………….......
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
j. Training and re-training ........................................................................................................
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k. Effective labour market information systems ......................................................................
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l. Enhanced public employment services ................................................................................
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m. Gender-responsive budgeting ..............................................................................................
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n. Other strategies ……………………............................................................................................
….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. What are the main facilitating factors to the successful implementation of your union’s strategies to reduce economic inequality? (Please elaborate for each of the strategies your union employs).
a. Minimum wages ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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b. Unemployment benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c. Pensions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d. Universal income floor..........................................................................................................
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e. Universal social security coverage ........................................................................................
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f. Universal access and quality public services ……………………………………………………………………. .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
g. Cash transfers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
h. Living wage ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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i. Expanded collective bargaining ..……………………………………………………………………………….......
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j. Training and re-training ........................................................................................................
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k. Effective labour market information systems ......................................................................
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l. Enhanced public employment services ................................................................................
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m. Gender-responsive budgeting ..............................................................................................
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n. Other strategies ……………………............................................................................................
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13. With which organisations/groups/political parties does your union work in implementing its strategies of reducing economic inequality and what are the forms of collaboration or engagement? (Please elaborate for each of the strategies your union employs.)
Strategy area | Organisation /Group/ Political Party | Form of collaboration/engagement |
Minimum wages |
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Living wage |
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Unemployment benefits |
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Pensions |
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Universal income floor |
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Universal social security |
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Universal access and quality public services |
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Job security |
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Collective bargaining |
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Cash transfers |
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Training and retraining |
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Labour market information systems |
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Public employment services |
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Other strategies |
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Announcements
Media Invitation to NEHAWU 10th National Congress
Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer, 21 May 2013
The NATIONAL EDUCATION, HEALTH AND ALLIED WORKER’S UNION {NEHAWU} will be holding its 10th National Congress from the 26th -29th June 2013, at Birchwood Hotel ,Benoni ,Gauteng under the theme:”BUILD STRONG WORKPLACE ORGANISATION,CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS AND INTERNATIONALISM”.
The National Congress is the highest decision making body of the union that has the powers to adopt new resolutions and elect new National Office Bearers{NOB}.
Delegates from all structures of the union will attend and assess the progress that has been made by the union in implementing its resolutions since the last congress that was held in 2010.
The congress will also pass the new resolutions and map the way forward for the next three years.
The gathering will be addressed by the tripartite alliance leaders{ ANC,SACP and COSATU} and other international fraternal organisations.
The 10th National Congress is scheduled as follows:
Ø Date : 26-29 June 2013
Ø Venue : Birchwood Hotel {Gauteng}
Members of the media are invited to attend, cover and report on the congress. To confirm attendance, journalists are requested to send their responses to the National Spokesperson: siz...@nehawu.org.za
The following information should be included in the confirmation reply for accreditation and logistical purposes.
Ø NAME AND SURNAME
Ø MEDIA INSTITUTION
Ø E-MAIL AND CONTACTDETAILS
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
For further information, please contact:Sizwe Pamla {NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer} at 011 833 2902- 082 558 5962 or email siz...@nehawu.org.za
Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za
____________
NEHAWU vacancy a for Tshwane Regional Organizer
Location: Tshwane Region | Date: 16 May 2013 |
Job Title: | Organizer X 2 |
Province: | Gauteng Province |
Reporting to: | Regional Secretary |
Grade: | Grade B4 |
Main Purpose: To Effectively organize and represent workers |
Key Performance Areas:
§ To organize and recruit workers within the scope of the union;
§ To co-ordinate collective bargaining work of the union and lead negotiations in all companies and institutions where we bargain locally;
§ To build strong and vibrant branches, shop stewards committees and substructures capable of providing high quality service and representation to members, and attend meetings as necessary;
§ To assist in training and supporting shop stewards and office bearers;
§ To work with Paralegal Officer in building strong paralegal team within the region capable of representing members in disciplinary cases, conciliation and arbitration;
§ To represent members in grievance and disciplinary hearings where and when shop stewards and branch office bearers are unable to do so, and to refer cases to conciliation and arbitration;
§ To submit monthly reports and programs to the Regional Secretary and Phosec
The Person:
Individuals meeting the following criteria are to apply:
§ Matric or equivalent thereof
§ Experience of working in a trade union movement
§ Experience in Microsoft Office packages
§ Prepared to work flexible hours
§ Report writing skills
§ Drafting of Agreements
§ Organizing
§ Good Communication skills
§ Knowledge and interpretation of legislation
§ Valid Driver’s License
Remuneration:
Membership of Nehawu Provident Fund
Medical Aid
Housing Subsidy subject to completion of the qualifying period
Membership of the NEHAWU Group Schemes
13th Cheque; and
Salary is based on the Nehawu salary grading system.
Applications:
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Regional Organiser position. Applications must be accompanied by a C.V., list of at least two references and copy of qualifications must be addressed to:
The Provincial Secretary
Provincial Office
P.O. Box 7394
Johannesburg
2000
Fax to : (011) 333 1696
Email to : gpadmin...@nehawu.org.za
Closing Date:
Closing date for applications is 30 May 2013
No late applications will be accepted
________________
NEHAWU Vacancy for a Vuyani Mabaxa Regional [Jhb] Organizer
Location: Vuyani Mabaxa (Greater JHB) Region | Date: 16 May 2013 |
Job Title: | Organizer |
Province: | Gauteng Province |
Reporting to: | Regional Secretary |
Grade: | Grade B4 |
Main Purpose: To Effectively organize and represent workers |
Key Performance Areas:
§ To organize and recruit workers within the scope of the union;
§ To co-ordinate collective bargaining work of the union and lead negotiations in all companies and institutions where we bargain locally;
§ To build strong and vibrant branches, shop stewards committees and substructures capable of providing high quality service and representation to members, and attend meetings as necessary;
§ To assist in training and supporting shop stewards and office bearers;
§ To work with Paralegal Officer in building strong paralegal team within the region capable of representing members in disciplinary cases, conciliation and arbitration;
§ To represent members in grievance and disciplinary hearings where and when shop stewards and branch office bearers are unable to do so, and to refer cases to conciliation and arbitration;
§ To submit monthly reports and programs to the Regional Secretary and Phosec
The Person:
Individuals meeting the following criteria are to apply:
§ Matric or equivalent thereof
§ Experience of working in a trade union movement
§ Experience in Microsoft Office packages
§ Prepared to work flexible hours
§ Report writing skills
§ Drafting of Agreements
§ Organizing
§ Good Communication skills
§ Knowledge and interpretation of legislation
§ Valid Driver’s License
Remuneration:
Membership of Nehawu Provident Fund
Medical Aid
Housing Subsidy subject to completion of the qualifying period
Membership of the NEHAWU Group Schemes
13th Cheque; and
Salary is based on the Nehawu salary grading system.
Applications:
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Regional Organiser position.
Applications must be accompanied by a C.V., list of at least two references and copy of qualifications must be addressed to:
The Provincial Secretary
Provincial Office
P.O. Box 7394
Johannesburg
2000
Fax to : (011) 333 1696
Email to : gpadmin...@nehawu.org.za
Closing Date:
Closing date for applications is 30 May 2013
No late applications will be accepted
_________
Africa Day & District Political Schools Launch Supported by Limpopo Arts And Culture Association [LACA] on the 25th May 2013
Louisa Nxumalo, COSATU Limpopo Provincial Educator/Organizer, 21 May 2013
Programme
Prgoramme Director : Prov. Deputy Chair Cde Rangers Molapo
Opening : 10H00
Item by: Limpopo Arts & Culture Association : 10H00-10H30
Opening Address by Provincial Chairperson : 10H30 -10H45
Cde Essob Mokgonyana
Acknowledgement of Guests by : 10H45 – 11H00
Provincial Treasurer Cde Annah Makgoba
The Role Of LACA in the Province by : The Managing : 11H00-11H30
Director James Mabela
Item by LACA : 11H30-12H00
Presentation on Africa in History by Cde Rudolph Phala : 12H00-13H00
Presentation on Political Challenges in Swaziland
and Zimbabwe by International Relations Secretary : 13H00-14H00
Cde Bongani Masuku
LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH : 14H00-14H45 |
Launch of District Political Schools By Education Secretary
Cde Lazola Ndamase : 15H00-15H30
COSATU Campaigns by Provincial Secretary Cde Dan Sebabi : 15H30-16H00
Entertainment by LACA : 16H00-21H00
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Chris Hani Institute & City Press Public Debate Invitation!
Dear Comrades,
We invite you to a Debate.
Engaging the National Development Plan: Old wine in new bottles?
Jeremy Cronin, Deputy General Secretary, SACP
and
Bobby Godsell, National Planning Commissioner
Moderator: Devan Pillay, Wits University
Date: 24 May 2013
Time: 15h00
Venue: 2nd Floor, Cosatu House, 110 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
RSVP: pris...@chi.org.za or 082 574 2315; Tel: (011) 339 3040 Fax (011) 339 3041
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The South African Medical Association Vacancy for IR Advisor
IR Advisor Post
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is seeking to appoint an Industrial Relations Advisor in the Public Sector Division;
Job Purpose: To provide consulting services, representation, support and advice on complex labour and employment related matters to members of SAMA within the assigned provinces.
Job Responsibilities:
Operations
· To provide expert advice and support to members on labour law and labour disputes on a daily basis.
· To represent SAMA members at grievance process level, disciplinary hearing, conciliation, arbitration and designated labour court proceedings to ensure adherence to fair labour practice and overall integrity.
· Draft and process all legal correspondence in prosecuting disputes on behalf of members in the dispute resolution forums and in particular at the labour court level
· Ensure that favourable outcomes for members are implemented fully by the employer as per the agreements.
Research & Development
· To keep abreast of current legal trends and labour law and ensure that effective research is conducted on precedents to ensure that accurate advice, representation and negotiation can be done on behalf of the SAMA members.
Reporting
· Monitor current trends in the public health service and proactively advise members of any changes through publications of IR articles in the SAMA insider.
· Ensure that all IR enquiries and disputes are correctly captured onto the case management system thereby ensuring that all cases are managed effectively and efficiently.
General
· Work together with colleagues to ensure that the best possible service is provided to SAMA’s members at all times.
· Maintains records, prepares reports and composes correspondence relative to the daily work of an IR Advisor.
· Assist when required the Organising and Bargaining Unit with negotiations on conditions of service for the public sector member by representing SAMA members at required bargaining structures.
Job Requirements:
• 3 year B degree in HRM / Labour Relations or National Diploma in Labour Law
• 3-5 years experience in a similar role
• 2-3 years experience in the public healthcare sector is desirable
• Extensive knowledge of Labour Laws such as LRA, BCEA, OHSA, PSA, EEA, etc.
• Knowledge of Government Regulations and Policies
• Knowledge of Public Service Collecting agreements
• Understanding of Collective Bargaining and Union Environment
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and procedures of collective bargaining
• Knowledge of rules and standards of conduct in the public sectors.
• LLB degree is desirable
• IRASA Membership is desirable
Term: Permanent
To apply: submit a covering letter and a detailed CV to Odessa Sifora
Email: ode...@samedical.org
Closing date: 24 May 2013
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The South African Medical Association Organising and Bargaining Officer Vacancy
Organising and Bargaining Officer Pos;
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is seeking to appoint a Organising and Bargaining Officer in the Public Sector Division;
Job Purpose:
To represent SAMA and its members at collective bargaining forums and manage collective bargaining agreements, disputes and submissions on behalf of the Trade Union. Ensure that all SAMA representatives at the relevant Trade union subcommittees and Branches market and recruit new members, identify issues and support all Trade Union initiatives across the country.
Job Responsibilities
Project Management
· To coordinate designated projects relating to the organising and collective bargaining function, including the Public service bargaining Councils, provincial chambers and other committees
· Assist in the implementation of the key objectives as directed by the relevant trade union committees or subcommittees or as required by the external market and collective bargaining arenas.
· Coordinate the setting up of the trade union structures and collective bargaining functions
· In conjunction with the Unit Manager and other internal stakeholders, coordinate and support all efforts relating to industrial action and ensure that SAMA’s image is upheld at all times.
Relationship Management
· Attend designed meetings relating to the Trade Union function including COSATU structures, Public service Bargaining structures and committees as directed by the Unit Manager and ensure accurate representation of SAMA.
· Provide feedback to all internal stakeholders after meetings to ensure effective knowledge sharing and generation of actions to address current concerns, trends or opportunities.
· Build and maintain effective working relationships with external key stakeholders to ensure that SAMA is at the forefront of negotiations and latest news and trends in the Collective Bargaining arena.
Marketing
· In conjunction with the unit Manager and other internal stakeholders like the Marketing Department, assist in the development of a targeted recruitment drive to attract potential non members to grow the SAMA Trade Union membership.
· Ensure ongoing running of campaigns to recruit new members for the Trade Union and SAMA
Operations
· Ensure that all collective bargaining demands from members are consolidated, researched and submitted for negotiations.
· Assist the Unit Manger in drafting collective agreements, policies and procedures relating to this function and ensure they are submitted timeously and where required implemented effectively.
· Assist in the research and monitoring of legislation and case law relevant to this function to ensure that SAMA is consistently proactive and market leaders in terms of policy development and procedures relating to the Collective Bargaining Division and functionality.
Job Requirements:
• Diploma in Labour Relations/Law
• Postgraduate Qualification in Labour Relations/Law is desirable
• 2-5 years collective bargaining experience
• 1-3 years drafting submissions for consideration
• Knowledge of Collective bargaining procedures
• Knowledge of all legislation relating to the healthcare industry and labour(LRA,EEA,BCEA,NHA,OHSA
etc)
• Advanced negotiating skills
• Computer Skills(MS Office)
• Excellent Communication skills(verbal and report writing)
• Conflict Resolution
• Presentation skills
• Persuading an influencing skills
Term: Permanent
To apply: submit a covering letter and a detailed CV to Odessa Sifora
Email: ode...@samedical.org
Closing date: 24 May 2013
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COSATU skinning in the game of social media-Enabling the trade union movement to nurture a communicative platform
The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions has broken new grounds by enabling its members and the society at large, to shape its progressive work.
Follow COSATU General Secretary, cde Zwelinzima Vavi @zwelinzima1 and also COSATU’s Official twitter handles @_cosatu and @cosatu2015, for a second to second update on issues affecting the working class in South Africa and elsewhere.
And the Federation has a Facebook Page ; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Congress-of-South-Africa-Trade-Unions-Cosatu-Today/390972744302076?fref=ts
Forward with building a strong and vibrant trade union movement through a communication platform.
An injury to one is an injury to all!
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Follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter!-EI GS
Education International
EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen is now on Twitter - follow @fredvanleeuwen for news, views, insights and highlights from the global education scene.
"Twitter is an amazing tool. Anyone can publish, and re-publish, information instantly, and thus distribute knowledge to thousands of people within minutes. Look at the revolutions in Arab countries that relied on Twitter for rapid communication; or the heated debates that spring up on Twitter during large events like the State of the Union address in the United States - these events show the immense potential the service has," he said.
"I am happy to be able to contribute, and look forward to sharing and discussing with colleagues and friends via Twitter."
To follow Fred van Leeuwen on Twitter, click here to go to@fredvanleeuwen, his Twitter profile. It is also possible to follow@eduint, Education International's offical Twitter account.
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Follow ITUC Secretary General-Sharan Burrow
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Norman Mampane (Communications Officer)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street
Braamfontein
2017
P.O.Box 1019
Johannesburg
2000
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 or Direct 010 219-1342
Mobile: +27 72 416 3790
E-Mail: mam...@cosatu.org.za
