Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 23 June 2026
Norman Mampane
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Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin
‘Whoever sides with the revolutionary people in deed as well as in word is a revolutionary in the full sense’-Maoo
Our side of the story
23 June 2026
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Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Media Alert: COSATU will present its submission on the Special Pensions Amendment Bill to Parliament on 24 June 2026
- CEPPWAWU welcomes landmark Labour Court victory for 24 dismissed workers at Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- IndustriALL Global Union is looking for an Administrative and Event Assistant for Sub-Saharan Africa Regional office (Johannesburg)
- NEHAWU to convene its 13th National Congress
- South Africa
- COSATU Gauteng Statement on the Introduction of the "Super Wardens" Programme
- Minister Nomakhosazana Meth welcomes and commends decisive intervention by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC)
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- Social dialogue and collective bargaining: the key to fair generative AI transformations
- Menopause at work: addressing productivity loss, talent retention and gender equality
- ILO Governing Body elects new Chairperson
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics #ClassWar
Media
Alert: COSATU will present its submission on the Special Pensions Amendment Bill to Parliament on 24 June 2026
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 23 June 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will present its submission on the Special Pensions Amendment Bill to Parliament’s Standing Committee: Finance, from 09:00 on Wednesday, 24 June (virtual platform).
Issued by COSATU
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Public Event: Making green industrial policy just: the role of governments, trade unions and multilateral development banks
Date: Thursday 25th June 2026
Time: 10:30-12:30 BST (09:30-11:30 UTC)
Venue: online and at International Transport Federation House, 49 - 60 Borough Rd, London SE1 1DR, United Kingdom
Registration link: Zoom link (please indicate whether you will attend in-person or online) In-person registration closes on 15th June
For any questions, please contact Luca Lueschen at luca.lusc...@ituc-csi.org
Event languages: English and Spanish (interpretation in English, Spanish and French)
Agenda
Moderator: Giulia Laganà, Director, Just Transition & Climate, ITUC
10:30 - Welcome
Gemma Swart, Director of Global Campaigns & Operations, International Transport Federation
10:40 - Keynote speech
Amir Lebdioui, Director, TIDE (Technology and Industrialisation for Development) Centre, Oxford University
11:00 - Panel discussion: MDBs & industrial policy: no longer taboo? And is it both green and just?
Chair: Rouguiatou Diallo, Economic Research Officer, ITUC liaison office to the International Financial Institutions
Tristan Reed, Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank (online)
Dimitri Koufos, Associate Director, Climate Strategy and Delivery, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Ioannis Gkoutzamanis, Energy & Climate Change Policy Officer, Greek General Confederation of Labour
11:45 - Panel discussion: Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom, drivers of green industrial policy?
Chair: Diana Junquera Curiel, Director, Industrial Policy & Just Transition, IndustriAll Global Union
Judit Carreras Garcia, Director, Just Transition Institute – Spain
Angél Rubio Gomez, Coordinator, Climate Action & Just Ecological Transition, Unión General de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores (UGT)
Dorah Modise, Executive Director, South African Presidential Climate Commission
Boitumelo Molete, Social Development Policy Coordinator, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
Ali Poncia, Industrial Policy Lead at the UK's Trades Union Congress (TUC)
12:30 – Wrap up followed by light lunch
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CEPPWAWU welcomes landmark Labour Court victory for 24 dismissed workers at Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Glen Tshabalala, Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers' Union, HOD Collective Bargaining Councilor, 23 June 2026
The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) is proud to announce a major legal victory in a long-standing labour dispute involving twenty-four of our members employed by Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
The matter, cited as CEPPWAWU obo Moyo Golden and 23 Others, reached a decisive conclusion when the Labour Court of South Africa, through Judge Dyk AJ, delivered judgment on 09 June 2026 in favor of the workers.
The dispute originates from the unfair dismissal of 24 workers on 18 August 2020. Following the dismissal, CEPPWAWU pursued justice through the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). On 17 February 2022, the CCMA issued an arbitration award in case GAJB17634-21, where the Commissioner found that the dismissal of the workers was substantively unfair and ordered the reinstatement of all 24 workers.
However, instead of complying with the lawful award, the employer filed an application for review on 28 March 2022 and set aside the arbitration award. Despite the legal process, the employer continued to refuse compliance.
In the latest judgment, the Labour Court found Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with the arbitration award, which had already been certified in terms of Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 on 16 August 2024.
As a result of this historic victory, the 24 workers will be reinstated retrospectively on 24 June 2026, ending more than five years of unemployment, hardship, and injustice caused by unfair employer conduct.
CEPPWAWU celebrates this important victory and congratulates all 24 members who remained resilient throughout this difficult struggle.
Their determination has proven that workers united through strong organisation can defeat injustice.
This victory once again demonstrates the critical importance of workers belonging to trade unions. Without collective organization, workers are vulnerable to exploitation, victimisation, and unlawful conduct by employers.
CEPPWAWU remains committed to defending workers against unfair labour practices and ensuring that employers respect workers’ rights, dignity, and the laws of South Africa.
We call on all workers across the country to organise, unite, and strengthen worker power because an injury to one is an injury to all.
Issued by CEPPWAWU
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IndustriALL Global Union is looking for an Administrative and Event Assistant for Sub-Saharan Africa Regional office (Johannesburg)
22 June 2026
IndustriALL Global Union is a global trade union organization, with 530 affiliates in 130 countries representing 50 million workers in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.
IndustriALL focuses on building union power worldwide through organizing and campaigning, fighting for an economic and social model that puts people first, based on democracy and social justice.
We are seeking an organized, proactive and service-oriented Admin and Event Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of its Regional Office.
Working under the supervision of the Regional Secretary and in close collaboration with the Finance Officer, the Admin and Event Assistant plays an important role in ensuring the smooth running of office operations, the successful organization of meetings and events, and the effective delivery of administrative and financial support services.
This position is ideal for a candidate who enjoys working in a dynamic international environment, has strong organizational skills and is able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Office Administration and Operational Support
• • Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure the efficient functioning of the Regional Office;
• • Coordinate office logistics, supplies and administrative documentation;
• • Handle reception duties, incoming calls and visitor support;
• • Liaise with service providers, affiliates and external partners on administrative matters;
• • Contribute to the smooth day-to-day operation of the office and provide support to the Regional Secretary as required.
Meetings, Conferences and Event Coordination
• • Assist in the preparation and organization of regional meetings, conferences and events;
• • Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, visas and registrations;
• • Organize venues, catering, transportation and technical requirements;
• • Prepare participant lists, invitations and meeting documentation;
• • Provide logistical and administrative support during in-person and virtual events;
• • Coordinate with travel agencies and other service providers.
Administrative Finance Support
• • Provide financial and accounting support in the event of absence or upon request;
• • Work in close coordination with the Finance Officer on finance-related administrative tasks.
Coordination, Communication and Information Management
• • Maintain and update contact databases and delegates’ information;
• • Support communication and coordination with affiliates, partners and service providers;
• • Coordinate translation, proofreading and document management requests when required;
• • Assist with information tracking, record management and administrative follow-up activities.
Profile
We are looking for a candidate who has:
• • Previous experience in administration, office management, event coordination or a related field;
• • Basic knowledge of accounting or financial administration processes (an asset);
• • Strong organizational and administrative skills;
• • Good command of Microsoft Office applications and virtual meeting platforms;
• • Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• • Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• • A service-oriented, flexible and cooperative attitude;
• • The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team;
• • A high level of reliability, professionalism and discretion;
• • The ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
• A C1 level in English is required
Salary and benefits:
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with IndustriALL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Benefits include the possibility to telework, among others, supporting a balance between professional and personal life.
Join our team:
At IndustriALL, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities in our recruitment and employment practices.
If you’re passionate about making a global impact and align with IndustriALL’s values, we encourage you to apply.
Please send your CV, cover letter in English and work certificates to pndes...@industriall-union.org and odufo...@industriall-union.org by 12.07.2026
Applications missing a CV, cover letter, and work certificates will not be considered. Additionally, IndustriALL does not retain applications from unsuccessful candidates. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.
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NEHAWU to convene its 13th National Congress
Lwazi Nkolonzi, NEHAWU National Spokesperson, June 08, 2026
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] will hold its 13th National Congress at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Boksburg from the 26th to 29th of June 2026.
The congress is convened under the theme “Advance Workplace Organisation to Defend Collective Bargaining, Heighten Class Consciousness and Advance Internationalism".
The congress will serve as a critical platform to deliberate and develop concrete responses to key international, national political and socio-economic matters as well as organisational matters affecting our members and the working class in general.
The congress will receive addresses from the African National Congress [ANC], South African Communist Party [SACP], Congress of South African Trade Unions [COSATU], World Federation of Trade Unions [WFTU] and Trade Union International Public Service & Allied [TUI – PS&A].
The congress will be attended by more than 750 delegates drawn from all structures of the union and other fraternal organizations from South Africa and Internationally.
Members of the media are hereby invited to apply for accreditation to cover the 13th National Congress.
The following information should be included in the application: Full name, Media House, and contact details.
The deadline for accreditation applications is Friday 19th June 2026.
The application for accreditation should be sent to the following email: lwa...@nehawu.org.za
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
For further information, please contact: Lwazi Nkolonzi (National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335 or email: lwa...@nehawu.org.za
Visit NEHAWU website: www.nehawu.org.za
South Africa #ClassSolidarityTop of Form
COSATU
Gauteng Statement on the Introduction of the "Super Wardens" Programme
Louisah Moepeng Modikwe, COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 23 June 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng notes the announcement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, regarding the transformation of the Traffic Wardens programme into a new "Super Wardens" model aimed at fighting crime and protecting public infrastructure across the province.
COSATU welcomes all genuine efforts to address the high levels of crime that continue to affect working-class communities. Crime, vandalism, cable theft, illegal dumping, and the destruction of public infrastructure place a heavy burden on workers and their families. Every day, workers face the fear of robbery while travelling to work, businesses lose income due to criminal activity, and communities are deprived of essential services because of damaged infrastructure.
The Federation believes that safer communities are important for economic growth, job creation, and social stability. The protection of schools, clinics, hospitals, roads, public transport facilities, and other government infrastructure is critical to ensuring that workers and poor communities have access to quality services.
COSATU also welcomes the potential for the programme to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Gauteng and the country. Any initiative that provides skills development, training, and meaningful employment opportunities deserves support.
However, COSATU stresses that the success of the programme will depend on proper training, adequate resources, clear accountability measures, and strict adherence to the law. Wardens entrusted with law-enforcement responsibilities must be properly trained and supervised to ensure that the rights of residents are protected and that public confidence in the programme is maintained.
The Federation further calls on the Gauteng Provincial Government to ensure that workers employed within the programme enjoy decent working conditions, fair wages, access to benefits, and opportunities for career development. Crime-fighting initiatives should not be built on insecure or exploitative forms of employment.
COSATU acknowledges that crime cannot be defeated through law-enforcement interventions alone. Sustainable solutions require government to tackle the root causes of crime, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, substance abuse, and the lack of opportunities for young people. Greater investment in education, skills development, social services, and local economic development remains essential.
The Federation calls on communities, law-enforcement agencies, organised labour, business, and civil society to work together in building safer communities and protecting public assets. The fight against crime is a collective responsibility that requires unity and cooperation from all sectors of society.
COSATU will continue to monitor the implementation of the programme and engage with government to ensure that it advances the interests of workers, strengthens community safety, and contributes to the broader goal of building a safer and more prosperous Gauteng for all.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
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Minister
Nomakhosazana Meth welcomes and commends decisive intervention by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC)
18
Jun 2026
Minister
Meth welcomes IDC-led agreement to safeguard approximately 250,000 jobs and stabilise the sugar industry
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth welcomes and commends the decisive intervention by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), alongside the Business Rescue Practitioners of Tongaat Hulett and the Vision Group,
in concluding a binding agreement that provides a clear and credible pathway towards stabilising Tongaat Hulett and securing the future of the sugar industry value chain.
The Minister particularly acknowledges the IDC’s leadership in extending post-commencement finance and its commitment to restructuring this support into equity, thereby strengthening the company’s capital structure and positioning it for sustainable recovery.
“This landmark agreement marks a pivotal turning point following a prolonged period of uncertainty, including the imminent risk of liquidation. The decision by all parties to pursue a collaborative solution that preserves operations and protects value across
the ecosystem is both timely and commendable,” says Minister Meth.
Minister Meth further stated that the intervention by IDC demonstrated an unwavering dedication to its developmental mandate, supporting industrial capacity, safeguarding jobs, and fostering inclusive economic participation.
“The agreement is of profound importance to the broader economy, as it is expected to preserve approximately 250,000 jobs across the sugar industry value chain, including workers, growers, suppliers, and dependent communities in South Africa and the region.
This intervention not only protects livelihoods but also ensures continuity in a strategic sector that underpins rural economies and regional trade,” says Minister Meth.
The participation of Vision as a long-term investor further strengthens the prospects for recovery. Their commitment to invest in operations, support growers and suppliers, and restore stability to the business signals renewed confidence in the sector and creates
a platform for sustainable growth.
The Minister also welcomes the withdrawal of the liquidation application, which clears the way for the implementation of the approved business rescue plan and reinforces the shared objective of stabilising the company and enabling its successful exit from business
rescue.
“This agreement underscores the power of strategic partnerships between the public sector, private investors, and key stakeholders in addressing complex economic challenges. It reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding productive assets, transforming
industries, and driving inclusive growth across the Southern African region,” says Minister Meth.
The Minister reiterates government’s support for initiatives that strengthen industrial resilience, protect jobs, and promote investment in key sectors such as agriculture and aggro-processing. The preservation of Tongaat Hulett is not only a corporate turnaround,
but it is a critical step towards securing food systems, sustaining rural economies, and advancing economic transformation.
Government will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this agreement and to support the long-term stability and competitiveness of the sugar industry.
Media enquiries:
Ms. Thobeka Magcai, Ministry Spokesperson.
Email:Thobeka...@Labour.gov.za
Cell: 072 737 2205.
Issued by Department of Employment and Labour
International-Solidarity
Social dialogue and collective bargaining: the key to fair generative AI transformations
23 June 26
New report looks at the impact of Generative AI on ICT, Finance and Audiovisual sectors, highlighting the need for human oversight, regulation and collective bargaining.
A new impact assessment report covering the Banking, Telecommunications (ICT) and Audiovisual (AV) sectors put hard numbers on what the evidence increasingly shows: generative AI creates enormous value but only shared fairly and governed well will it benefit
companies and workers alike.
Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary, was unequivocal: “The report makes one thing clear: generative AI will not deliver for workers by accident. In fact, where social dialogue is strong, both workers and companies benefit. And where it is absent,
they pay the price. We are determined to ensure that the transformation is fair, transparent and negotiated.”
Productivity gains are real as is the risk of unfair distribution of the benefits
The report projects value creation of €180–306 billion in banking alone with significant efficiency gains in ICT and AV production. Yet, it also warns that productivity expectations are frequently overstated. Unions and employers need realistic projections
to engage in genuine social dialogue and collective bargaining that ensure the fair distribution of efficiency gains. That means companies will need to invest in transformation that benefits their workforce.
Human oversight makes AI better, not slower
Every sector examined by the report depends on trust. Hallucinations, algorithmic bias and opaque decision-making are already eroding confidence in AI-driven services – Klarna’s reversal on AI-only customer service being one prominent example. Both employers
and unions share an interest in AI systems that are explainable, auditable and genuinely reliable. The “human in control” principle, consistently demanded by unions and embedded in agreements such as in the FSU–Bank of Ireland collective agreement, protect
workers while ensuring AI is used ethically and with quality.
Jens Thau, EBF Chair of the Banking Committee for European Social Affairs, underscored the value of formalising that commitment at every level: “On the European level we made a joint declaration on AI and the banking sector which we hope both national countries
and the European Works Councils will use in their work with AI.”
The skills gap is urgent and cannot be left to the market
Skills are the binding constraint across all three sectors. Over half of telecoms industry leaders cite lack of skilled labour as the biggest barrier to GenAI adoption. Banks in smaller member states lack the AI expertise to deploy responsibly. AV companies
need interdisciplinary profiles that do not yet exist at scale.
But if employers need a workforce capable of working with AI, workers too need the competencies to adapt and thrive rather than be displaced. Research shows that what is needed are structured, employer-funded reskilling frameworks, negotiated with unions and
designed to genuinely deepen competencies.
Rita Santos, Chair of the Social Dialogue and Communities’ Committee at Connect Europe, highlighted the preventive value of negotiated frameworks: “Social dialogue plays a central role in managing AI, which has a transformative impact on the connectivity sector.
Social dialogue provides a framework for anticipating changes and their impact before systems are fully deployed. It also plays a key role in shaping key strategies, ensuring that both workers and operators can adapt to evolving roles.”
Regulation is not the problem – weak enforcement is
The EU regulatory framework is not an obstacle to AI adoption it is sometimes portrayed as. Europe is ahead of the US in innovating around the application of AI – because of the regulatory environment, not in spite of it. Clear rules on transparency, bias monitoring,
intellectual property compliance and human oversight create the legal certainty companies need and prevent a race to the bottom. The EU’s simplification agenda must not be allowed to erode these foundations in the name of cutting compliance costs.
Grégoire Polad, Executive Director of ACT, drew attention to what is at stake specifically for the creative industries: “The AI giants have little or no interest in our collective intellectual property. They created the distribution platforms – now they want
to create the content. They will build intellectual property of their own while refusing to respect ours. If there is no compensation for creative work, the audiovisual industry has no future.”
Social dialogue makes AI deployment work
Companies that deploy AI without meaningful consultation with worker representatives face resistance, distrust and failed implementations. By contrast, where companies engage workers and their representatives early and genuinely, AI deployment is more likely
to succeed, earn trust and deliver lasting value for both sides. The case studies in the report – Intesa Sanpaolo in banking, Orange in telecoms and RTL Group in AV – share a common feature: governance frameworks that embed worker participation, clear communication
about how AI will change roles and investment in people alongside investment in technology. Collective bargaining is not a constraint on AI adoption. It is what makes adoption successful.
The impact assessment has been carried out by Visionary Analytics in the framework of the project “Shaping generative AI for a sustainable and fair services economy”. The project is led by European social partners of the audiovisual, banking, telecommunications
sector, ACT, EBF, Connect Europe and UNI Europa. The project is co-financed by the European Union.
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Menopause at work: addressing productivity loss, talent retention and gender equality
19 June 2026
657 million women at work face menopause, costing billions in lost productivity and pushing experienced talent out of jobs. A recent ILO webinar reveals
why action is critical for economic performance and equality.
GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Global SCORE Trainer Network, convened a webinar on menopause at work, highlighting a growing but often overlooked driver of productivity loss, workforce attrition and gender inequality.
With an estimated 657 million women navigating menopause while employed, the issue has significant implications for business performance and economic growth. Evidence shows that menopause-related symptoms contribute to absenteeism, presenteeism and early labour
market exit, resulting in billions in lost productivity worldwide.
In the United States alone, menopause leads to approximately USD 1.8 billion in lost work time annually, rising to over USD 26 billion when healthcare costs are included. Across major economies, total national costs linked to menopause-related productivity
losses reach billions each year, reflecting reduced participation and lost output.
The recent ILO webinar on this emphasized that inaction leads to loss of experienced workers at the peak of their careers, with some women reducing hours or leaving jobs altogether. Research shows this can result in long-term earnings penalties of up to 10
per cent, widening gender gaps in income and pensions.
Session participants called for workplace policies, awareness and occupational safety and health measures to better support women’s well-being. Addressing menopause at work is critical to retaining talent, boosting productivity and advancing inclusive, resilient
labour markets.
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ILO Governing Body elects new Chairperson
18 June 2026
At its 357th Session, the International Labour Organization’s Governing Body elected its Chairperson for the period 2026–2027.
GENEVA (ILO News) – The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) elected Matthew Wilson (Barbados) as Chairperson for the coming year during its 357th Session on 13 June 2026.
Mr Wilson is currently the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international organizations in Geneva. He is also Ambassador to Switzerland, and Permanent Representative of Barbados
to the UN agencies in Vienna and Rome.
Ms Catelene Passchier (Netherlands) was re-elected as the Worker Vice-Chairperson. Mr Matthias Thorns (Germany) was elected as the Employer Vice-Chairperson.
The ILO Governing Body, comprising 56 representatives of Governments and Employers’ and Workers’ Organizations, takes decisions on ILO policy, decides the agenda of the ILC, adopts the draft Programme and Budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference,
and elects the Director-General. It meets three times a year, in March, June and October/November. Its next meeting will be held from 9 to 19 November 2026.
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Norman Mampane (Shopsteward Editor)
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 Direct line: 010 219-1348