Taking COSATU Today Forward, 4 Feb 2015
Norman Mampane
Taking COSATU Today Forward
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Mao
Our side of the story
Wednesday 4 Feb 2015
‘Strengthen COSATU for total emancipation.....The Struggle continues’
Contents
Workers Parliament
Ø Department of Labour invites private security stakeholders to public hearings to review minimum wage
Ø Wholesale and Retail Sector minimum wage adjusted upward from beginning of February
Ø Thongathi (Tongaat) Mall contractor to take a stand as Department of Labour-appointed Commission of inquiry nears conclusion
Ø NUM NOB's Press Statement
South Africa
Ø POPCRU`s reaction on NPA head`s inquiry
International
Ø TISA: another leaked document reveals secret talks to promote health “tourism”, privatisation and to raise health costs
Ø WFTU in solidarity with workers in US oil refineries
Workers’ Parliament! #MinimumWages
Department of Labour invites private security stakeholders to public hearings to review minimum wage
The Department of Labour, 03 February 2015
The Private Security Sectoral Determination is coming to an end this year and the Department of Labour is to begin a process to set up a new wage adjustment structure and discuss conditions of employment in the sector.
The Department of Labour is inviting all stakeholders in Private Security Sector who are directly and indirectly affected including employers, employer organisations, employees, and trade unions to attend national public hearings in which they will be allowed to voice their inputs.
In terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Minister should consult with stakeholders in the sector with the aim to source information in relation to the wage adjustment.
The private security sector employs plus or minus 1 070 387. The Sectoral Determination for Private Security Sector in South Africa was published in the government gazette of 30th November 2001 and provisions in respect of minimum wages became applicable on 10 December 2001.
Prior to the promulgation the private security sector like any other sectors they were covered by the BCEA.
The current minimum wages in Private Security sector lapse on the 31 August 2016 and the new minimum wages should be in effect from the 1 September 2016
The national roadshows are set to begin on 4 February 2015 in Klerksdorp, North West at the Department’s Labour Centre at Pelser Building corner Anderson & Voortrekker Streets and in Thohoyandou Labour Centre in Limpopo Province at stand 68 & 69 Leisure Lodge Building, respectively.
All public hearings start at 10am. They will end on 06 March in Nelspruit (Mbombela), Mpumalanga and in Bethlehem, Free State.
Other issues that will be discussed during national public hearings include: special allowances, maternity leave, night shift, Temporary Employment Services and overtime.
Issued by: Mokgadi Pela
Acting Ministerial Liaison Officer
082 808 2168
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Wholesale and Retail Sector minimum wage adjusted upward from beginning of February
The Department of Labour, 03 February 2015
Workers in the Wholesale and Retail Sector will with effect from 01 February 2015 be entitled to minimum wage increases that vary between 6,1% to 8,1% in various job categories.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has approved the new minimum wage for the sectors in terms of the sectoral determination as governed by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which makes provision for setting of minimum wages.
The new minimum wage will be applicable until 31 January 2016.
Various categories of workers who stand to benefit from the new minimum wage determination includes: cashiers, clerks, assistant managers, displayers, forklift operators, security guards, merchandisers, managers, sales assistants, sales persons, shop assistant supervisors and trainee managers.
Issued by: Mokgadi Pela
Acting Ministerial Liaison Officer
082 808 2168
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Thongathi (Tongaat) Mall contractor to take a stand as Department of Labour-appointed Commission of inquiry nears conclusion
The Department of Labour, 03 February 2015
The penultimate session of public hearings of the Department of Labour-appointed Commission of Inquiry into the structural collapse of the Thongathi (Tongaat) Mall will resume on February 10-12 following a recent recess.
Expected to take a stand will be the Mall’s contractor, and Chief Executive of Gralio Contractor Precast (Pty) Ltd Mr Jay Singh – who will be led into presenting his evidence.
The Thongathi Mall Commission of Inquiry was appointed following the structural collapse of the Mall that led to the death of two workers and injury to 29. The Section 32 hearing, was instituted by the Department of Labour in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act - to gather evidence on negligence that may have resulted in occupational injuries and death of workers.
To date parties that have appeared before the Inquiry include: the foreman, engineers, supervisor, property developer, workers, eThekwini Municipality, safety consultant, sub-contractors and steel fixer.
The Thongathi Mall structural collapse took place on 19 November 2013. The Commission of Inquiry started its work of gathering evidence on 11 February 2014.
The Thongathi Commission of Inquiry is held at the North Coast Town’s Municipality offices. The Inquiry starts at 9am.
Issued by the Department of Labour Communication Directorate:
For more information contact
Nhlanhla X. Khumalo
KZN Provincial Spokesman
Email: nhlanhla...@labour.gov.za
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NUM NOB's Press Statement
Frans Baleni, NUM General Secretary, 4 Feb 2015
1. Background
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) National Office Bearers (NOBs) met this week to deliberate on a number of important matters. The meetings took place at NUM Head Office. The NOBs indulged amongst other issues on the following matters of the national and sectorial interest:
2. Energy Crisis
2.1 Intervention team
The NOBs noted the energy challenges facing South Africa nowadays and welcomes the Cabinet decision to entrust the Deputy President of the country Cyril Ramaphosa to lead an initiative to tackle the challenges faced by state entities such as Eskom.
In this instance, labour is an important stakeholder at Eskom and in the electricity and energy sectors, "thus we resolved that for a comprehensive impact filled intervention to be made by the government initiative the views of the workers are inextricably imperative. Therefore, we urge the Deputy President led intervention team to solicit the views of labour," says Frans Baleni.
2.2 Save Eskom Campaign
The NOBs once more observed the sustained attempts by Eskom to undermine labour as an important stakeholder at Eskom. The union has made several attempts to sensitise the entity `s leadership about these concerns but to no avail. Thus, the leadership has adopted a 'Save Eskom Campaign' to remedy the situation.
The campaign will look at deteriorating state of industrial relations within the operations of the entity including challenges of skills and training. Through this campaign, the union will also seek to highlight its concerns on how appointments and promotions are undertaken. Furthermore, the campaign will also confront the dilapidating state of governance which simply feed into the crisis of Eskom.
The union will also be tackling the unwarranted pleasures enjoyed by non-executive board members travelling a lot and being driven around without adding value to solutions on the electricity crisis which is tantamount to wasteful expenditure while the financial state of the entity is hopeless. Overall lack of implementation of other agreements will be part of the campaign.
2.3 Nuclear energy
Having reviewed the nuclear processes in South Africa and the debates thereof, the leadership remains convinced that nuclear energy while as an important source does not constitute a priority for South Africa. In addition, the leadership resolved that more focus should be put on fast-tracking the developments of Khusile and Medupi. In addition, maintenance must be a key to sustaining what we already have which should extend to shale gas and IPPs.
3. COSATU
The leadership stands resolute that the existence of Cosatu was not an accident of history and, therefore, unity which is key to maintaining such existence is critical. Such a perspective obviously encompasses the return and active participation of the seven affiliates. The unity of Cosatu would be a manifestation of worker unity a material factor in leading struggles of the workers in particular and promoting their interests including the working class generally.
4. SONA
The NOBs look forward with anticipation to the SONA on the 12th February 2015. The leadership envisages that SONA will articulate achievements and register optimism for the future in dealing with the challenges of unemployment, retrenchments, inequality, poverty, and service delivery.
A progressive impact in ameliorating these challenges characterising our society will sustain the confidence our people have on the ANC. This will further give courage to South Africans as they face up to forthcoming 2016 local government elections.
5. Transformation
5.1 Evaluation of compliance
The NUM is awaiting the MPRDA Compliance Evaluation Report coordinated by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR).However, the leadership condemns the lethargy displayed by companies pertaining to the overall transformation of the mining industry.
This may entrench the legacy of colonialism and apartheid racial power relations integrated and tolerated within our democracy. Already many EXCOs remain 90% white failing to meet the 40% basic minimum for transformation.
5.2 Professional space
NUM has further observed that lack of transformation in South Africa also remain manifest within the professional categories such as the legal fraternity, engineering and within Chartered Accountancy profession. NUM believes that the lack of energy when it comes to transformation may feed into the spectre of potential national revolt we may find no time to sufficiently manage.
5.3 Promotion of segregation
The NUM condemns the promotion of segregation in the schools taking place twenty years into South Africa`s democracy. The leadership calls on all stakeholders in the education sector to confront the evil of segregation which promotes racism as exposed at Curro Rooderplaat in Pretoria.
6. Retrenchments
NUM is concerned with continuing job losses for example Glencore Optimum Mine in Mpumalanga. The NOBs call on mining companies that cannot operate these operations to hand them over to those who have the conviction to create good prospects. NUM further calls on the Minister of DMR to intervene to halt job losses and the NUM is ready to assist in crafting measures to prevent further losses.
7. Mining Indaba
Pertaining to the forthcoming Indaba NUM is urging the Minister of Mineral Resources in his address to profile the importance of social labour plans, urgency of addressing inequality, and emphasis on integrative development which takes into account the sustainability and development of labour sending areas, surrounding communities, and the need to improving the overall safety of workers.
8. Xenophobic Attacks
NUM is concerned about the recent attacks on foreigners who operate small businesses in the rural areas and townships in both Gauteng and other provinces. The leadership welcomes all interventions made by government to bring the situation to normality.
It further urges that government must generate an inclusive and pre-emptive approach to addressing sources of the uprisings. The leadership believes that the debate whether this is criminal or xenophobic as regrettably academic and does not assist in addressing the challenges of the small business and joblessness. A sustainable approach is important in restoring genuine lasting truce and all stakeholders must play a role including community structures.
9. Conclusion
NUM is committed to mobilising its members and active solidarity networks for action in ensuring that its resolutions are realisable.
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COSATU Mpumalanga is angered by intransigent behaviour of Glencore Management
Fidel Mlombo, COSATU Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary, 3 February 2015
The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Mpumalanga vows to fight tooth and nail to resist the attempts by Glencore management to unilaterally close the Optimum Coal Mine which is situated at the Steve Tshwete Municipality in Mpumalanga.
The immediate impact of the closure of the mine is that it will result to more than 1500 workers losing their jobs in a province characterised by high levels of unemployment and poverty.
COSATU has already started mobilising workers from the different economic sectors in the province to pledge active solidarity with the National Union of Mine Workers whose members are on the verge of losing their jobs at Optimum Coal mine.
The intransigent behaviour by Glencore management confirms our long held view that the capitalists interest in our country, is to extract our minerals, make huge profits and invest those profits in their countries of origin, their interest has never been to improve the lives of our people or to make a meaningful contribution to the development of our country.
We are convinced that the Directors and Management of Glencore have planned these closures long before, behind the back of NUM and our members. This behaviour is a well calculated and deliberate action to undermine the NUM and also to undermine the laws of this country which regulates the relationship between the employers and employees.
COSATU will petition and invite the Provincial Government to intervene because the envisaged closure has the potential of worsening the more than 27,7% unemployment rate and also increasing the levels of poverty in the province and the country.
We call on Glencore Management to engage with NUM in good faith or face the wrath of our members in the battle field.
The envisaged closure will not go unchallenged.
Issued by: COSATU Mpumalanga
- See more at : http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=9988#sthash.etVbgGOZ.dpuf
South Africa #BackToSchool
POPCRU`s reaction on NPA head`s inquiry
Theto Mahlakoana, POPCRU Spokesperson, 4 February 2015
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) backs the call by the Presidency for an inquiry into the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mxolisi Nxasana’s fitness to hold office.
We support the pronouncement made by President Jacob Zuma to probe allegations levelled against Nxasana as it is long over-due and should go ahead as instituted.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been making noise about the operations of the (NPA) and other critical institutions. Over the weekend the party made unfounded accusations that the Presidency wants to push Nxasana out of the NPA after he reinstated charges against former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli. We understand the inquiry into his case as being informed by his failure to obtain the required security clearance. Therefore his probe has nothing to do with Mdluli.
In the same breath we note the attempts by the Hellen Suzman Foundation to derail the Police Ministry in its quest to suspend Hawks head Anwa Dramat. The union believes the process undertaken by Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko in parliament should be allowed to prevail. The Portfolio Committee on Police will be able to assess the allegations Dramat is facing and determine his suitability or lack thereof to occupy the critical office.
As an organisation operating in the criminal justice cluster we cannot sit back and watch as critical security institutions crumble down because of entities who want to stop its principals from disciplining wrong-doing.
We call upon those representing Nxasana and Dramat to respect the processes put in place and let the two individuals argue their cases when the right time comes. The two should refrain from fuelling speculation in the media as this does not assist the country nor the Criminal Justice Cluster.
We trust they will be granted an opportunity to do so either by themselves or through their legal teams.
Issued by POPCRU
- See more at: http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=9989#sthash.F2wh3mTE.dpuf
International
TISA: another leaked document reveals secret talks to promote health “tourism”, privatisation and to raise health costs
PSI, 4 February 2015 – A new trade proposal is aiming to commodify health care services globally, with higher costs for governments and poorer performance for patients, to the benefit of large health corporations and insurance companies in a USD 6-trillion business.
A discussion paper – leaked by Associated Whistle-Blowing Press - has exposed negotiators of the secretive Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) who are discussing wide-ranging reforms to national public health systems which will promote offshoring of health care services and privatisation.
The proposal, reportedly tabled by the government of Turkey, was discussed by EU member states last September at the Geneva TISA negotiations. It suggests an annex on health care services in the TISA that would facilitate patients travelling abroad to access health services.
The proposal titled “A concept paper on health care services within TISA Negotiations” states there is “huge untapped potential for the globalisation of healthcare services” mainly because “health care services is (sic) funded and provided by state or welfare organisations and is of virtually no interest for foreign competitors due to lack of market-orientated scope for activity”.
The document goes on to explain that trade in health services may create opportunities and have benefits for the business partners involved in trade.
“The proposal would raise health care costs in developing countries and lower quality in developed countries in Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere,” explains Dr Odile Frank, who has analysed the document for Public Services International (PSI). Frank argues that under such a proposal, costs to government would rise, as would premiums for health insurance.
According to PSI, the TISA proposal assumes that health services are a commodity like any other that can be handled by the market. Establishing trade in health services ignores public health aspects and will exacerbate inequality.
While the solutions proposed would benefit wealthy consumers and private health firms, analysis from Professor Jane Kelsey, an expert on trade in services, suggests that money will be drawn out of the national health system “whose low level of investment is cited as one of the rationales for offshore treatment, and makes the problem self-perpetuating.”
Kelsey argues that such reforms may put pressure on governments to introduce more individual account or voucher type systems and leaves patients and governments exposed to uncertainty and additional costs for follow-up care when they return home.
“It is scandalous that proposals to dismantle the public health system are being discussed behind closed doors and the public must rely on leaks to find out what their governments are discussing on their behalf,” comments PSI General Secretary, Rosa Pavanelli.
“Health is a human right and is not for sale or for trade. The health system exists to keep our families safe and healthy, not to ensure the profits of large corporations,” says Pavanelli.
The potential profits to corporate interests from privatised public health care is enormous. The weighted average GDP that goes to health care in the 50 countries in the TISA negotiations is 12.5 per cent, and together their GDP expenditures on health amount to over USD 6 trillion per annum, which represents over 90 per cent of annual global expenditure on health[1].
The TISA is promoted by some of the largest US corporations of the services industry and their lobby groups, such as the American Insurance Association and US insurance companies including AIG and Prudential, and health and disability insurers such as Liberty Mutual and Metlife.
BACKGROUND
This is the third major leak of controversial texts from the TISA negotiations in recent months. In May, Wikileaks leaked the financial services annex, which exposed US proposals to further deregulate the financial sector.
This was followed in December by the leaking of a proposal by the US Trade Representative (USTR)that deals with E-commerce, technology transfer, cross border data flows and net neutrality. It prompted concern in non-US countries that the TISA would undermine privacy laws in the wake of the Snowden revelations.
In signs that the secrecy of the negotiations are becoming a problem, the TISA Rapporteur for the European Parliament, Luxembourger MEP Viviane Reding, said as recently as 13 January that the negotiations started with “no transparency at all” and that even currently “Transparency is far from being perfect”. She went on to say that TISA was at least as important as the TTIP.
The TISA is currently being negotiated between 23 parties (counting the EU as one) whose aim is to extend the scope and rules of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Unlike the GATS, the TISA negotiations are being conducted in secrecy and the parties refuse to release the negotiating text or supporting documents. Some countries have released limited documentation about their offers (for example Switzerland and the EU).
Prior to Public Services International (PSI) publishing the first available critique, TISA Vs Public Services, in March 2014, the negotiations had been shrouded in secrecy.
PSI’s report outlines how TISA would prohibit failed privatisations being brought back into public hands and restrict governments from regulating privatised public services and other area of public interest such as laws to protect workers, consumers, small business and the environment.
For more information:
· Concept paper on health care services within TISA Negotiations
· Analysis by Dr Odile Frank for Public Services International (PSI)
· Analysis by Professor Jane Kelsey,
· PSI website “No Trade in Public Services”
[1] Based on 2012 data; GDP data from the World Bank and health expenditure data from WHO Global Health Expenditure Data Base. See also for total global annual expenditure on health in 2012.
Attachments
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WFTU expresses solidarity to Turkish Metalworkers Strike Action
WFTU, 03 Feb 2015
The WFTU denounces the response of the Turkish Government to ban the fair strike of the Turkish metalworkers who are on demand of a salary increase and improved collective bargaining agreement.
As a response the Turkish Government has issued a Cabinet Decree to postpone the metal industry strike launched by DİSK/Birlesik Metal-Is (United Metal Workers’ Union).
The World Federation of Trade Unions expresses its solidarity to the metalworkers in Turkey and the DISK-Metal Union in their strike action which started on January 29th, 2015. The strike covers some 40 workplaces with 15,000 workers in Turkey’s metal industry.
The WFTU representing 90 million workers in 126 countries demands from the Government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to end its authoritarian undemocratic and anti-people’s practices. We ask the Government and the Employers to respect the right to strike and fulfill the workers fair demands in order for the need for this strike to be withdrawn.
THE SECRETARIAT, 30 January 2015
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WFTU in solidarity with workers in US oil refineries
WFTU, 03 Feb 2015
The World Federation of Trade Unions representing 90 million workers in 126 countries across the worlds expresses its internationalist solidarity to the workers in US refineries who are on strike struggling for better salary, safety at work and improved collective agreement.
In their first wide-scale strike since 1980, workers have stopped work in many refineries since Monday, February 2nd 2015 as per the call of the United Steelworkers Union on the basis that negotiations between US refiners and union have failed to reach an agreement by Sunday.
The deal would form the baseline for additional talks between companies and local unions, and cover 30,000 workers at 230 refineries, oil terminals, pipelines, and petrochemical plants.
USW represents workers at 65 fuel-making plants around the U.S. which it says account for nearly two-thirds of the country’s refining capacity.
According to USW the plants where workers will strike include: LyondellBasell Industries’ plant in Houston, Texas; Royal Dutch Shell PLC’s complex in Deer Park, Texas; Marathon Petroleum Corp. ’s sites in Galveston, Texas City and Catlettsburg, Ky; and three Tesoro facilities in Washington and southern California.
The World Federation of Trade Unions joins its voice with the struggle of the workers in the oil refineries in all parts of production despite of working relation status and calls the Employers and Management to accept their fair demands.
The WFTU reaffirms its commitment for the unity of the workers struggle organized or unorganized for the end of contractualization, for better working conditions, health-care and better salaries for all as well as safety at work-place.
THE SECRETARIAT
Announcements
Enabling COSATU Members to Tweet Effectively
NB: @cosatu2015 has been revamped and now it’s @COSATU2015_
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’
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Ntai 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: +27 10 219-1342
Mobile: +27 72 416 3790
Twitter: @_cosatu / @COSATU2015_
Web: www.cosatu.org.za
‘The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles’-The Communist Manifesto
