Taking COSATU Today Forward Special Bulletin, 12 November 2025 #Cosatu@40 #Cosatu40thAnniversary
Norman Mampane
|
COSATU TODAY #Cosatu National Staff is underway at North West #COP30noBrasil#JustTransition #Cosatu scheduled to hold its 40th Anniversary at Dobsonville, Soweto on December 6 #Cosatu@40 #Cosatu40thAnniversary #SACTU70 #ClassStruggle “Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism” #Back2Basics #JoinCOSATUNow #ClassConsciousness |
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
12 November 2025
“Build Working Class Unity for Economic Liberation towards Socialism”
Organize at every workplace and demand respect for labour rights Now!
Defend Jobs Now!
Join COSATU NOW!
Contents
- Workers Parliament: Back to Basics!
- Applications for media accreditation to cover COSATU 40th Anniversary rally officially opened
- COSATU to host lectures in the lead up to 40th anniversary
- South Africa
- COSATU notes the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
- SACP dips its red flag in tribute to Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran and chaplain of our liberation movement, Comrade Moruti Maphatsoe
- Premier Phophi Ramathuba welcomes significant drop in unemployment in Limpopo
- Minister of Employment and Labour reacts to Quarter three Stats SA QLFS Report
- Premier Lazarus Mokgosi on decline in unemployment rate at North West by two percentage points in the third quarter
- International-Workers’ Solidarity!
- IndustriALL 4th Congress: Organizing for a Just Future
- The ILO Governing Body will meet in Geneva from 17 to 27 November 2025 to review key policy and country matters.
Workers’ Parliament-Back2Basics
Applications for media accreditation to cover COSATU 40th Anniversary rally officially opened
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson,10 November 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) invites all members of the media to apply for accreditation to attend and cover the Federation’s historic 40th Anniversary rally. This momentous event is scheduled to take place on 6 December at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
COSATU was launched on 1 December 1985, at the height of the struggle against apartheid. Its formation brought together 33 competing unions and federations that were opposed to apartheid but committed to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.
Alliance partners, local and international guests have been invited to celebrate 40 years of this vibrant movement advancing, defending and protecting the interests and rights of workers and the working class in South Africa and beyond.
Applications for accreditation may be submitted to mam...@cosatu.org.za or non...@cosatu.org.za with the following details:
Name:
Surname:
ID number:
Media House/Address:
Contact number/email:
Alternatively, an application form can be completed via this link:
COSATU 40th Anniversary Media Accreditation Application Form – Fill out form
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zan...@cosatu.org.za
____________________
COSATU to host lectures in the lead up to 40th anniversary
Zanele Sabela, COSATU National Spokesperson, 25 September 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set the host a series of lectures in the lead up to its 40th anniversary celebration at Dobsonville Stadium on 6 December.
The culmination of four years of unity talks, COSATU came into being on 1 December 1985, and brought together 33 competing unions and federations opposed to apartheid and whose common goal was to bring about a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
The Federation has been at the forefront of advancing, defending and protecting the interests and rights of workers since, and has led in the formation of the country’s progressive labour laws including workers’ rights to form trade unions, collective bargaining and to strike, minimum conditions of service, National Minimum Wage, etc.
From its vehement resistance of apartheid to the ushering in of the democratic dispensation and improving the economic and social wellbeing of the working class 31 years post democracy, COSATU has stood the test of time.
In the lead up to its 40th anniversary in December, the Federation will host a variety of activities starting with a series of lectures by its National Office Bearers.
The lectures will tackle diverse subjects from COSATU’s pivotal role in gender struggles to the strike that broke the back of industry-wide exploitative labour practices as far back as 1959.
Province:
North-West
Date:
19 November
Topic: Strengthening Industrial Unions to build a militant COSATU
Main Speaker: Mike Shingange, COSATU 1st Deputy President
Province:
Eastern Cape
Date:
20 November
Topic: COSATU and the Reconfiguration of the Alliance
Main Speaker: Duncan Luvuno, COSATU 2nd Deputy President
Province:
Gauteng
Date:
21 November
Topic: COSATU and the Mass Democratic Movement
Main Speaker: Zingiswa Losi, COSATU President
Issued by COSATU
COSATU notes the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, 12 November 2025
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) notes the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled at Parliament by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Enoch Godongwana.
Whilst appreciating the turnaround in many key parts of the state under government led by the African National Congress, in particular Eskom, Transnet, Metro Rail and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), we remain deeply concerned that the Budget, including the MTBPS’ proposed adjustments are not bold enough to take the economy from the 1% growth it has been stuck at for two decades nor to give hope to 12 million unemployed.
Fiscal Framework and Monetary Policy
The Federation welcomes recent positive achievements, including South Africa’s exiting from the Financial Action Task Force’ grey listing as well as the creation of 248 000 new jobs over Quarter 3 and the projected increase in growth over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to 1.8%.
We are, however, concerned that Treasury remains excessively focused on reducing expenditure, debt and deficits as well as achieving a narrow surplus at the expense of badly needed economic growth and job creation.
We note the proposed reduction in the inflation target from 4.5% to 3%. Inflation is the enemy of workers who can least afford rising costs of living. We are, however, deeply concerned that this will see the Reserve Bank continue to deny badly needed repo rate relief to millions of highly indebted working and middle-class families and an economy badly in need of stimulus.
More must be done to address the root causes of domestic inflation, namely the ever-volatile international oil price, and its resulting impact upon our fuel price regime as well as Eskom’s unsustainable dependence upon increasingly unaffordable above inflation electricity price hikes. These are matters that government must do far more to tackle to reduce inflation. Squeezing workers further is not an economic path.
Expenditure, Public and Municipal Services, SOEs
We welcome the additional allocation of R15 billion to cover further investments in Transnet Freight Rail as well as R590 million for health to cover the shortfall in funding from the United States’ Agency for International Aid, R4 billion for school repairs, R2 billion for electricity transmission investments, R2 billion for water infrastructure in Polokwane as well as over the MTEF; R21 billion for public healthcare, R20 billion for schooling including early childhood education.
We are deeply distressed by below inflation adjustments for law enforcement and cuts for Home Affairs over the MTEF. This is something that these frontline public services cannot afford in the face of entrenched levels of crime.
We are disappointed that once again government has shamefully failed to adjust the Social Relief of Distress Grant for inflation, in fact it has only been increased once since it was introduced in 2020.
At a time when unemployment remains painfully high at 42.4%, we had hoped that government would seize the moment to drastically increase the Presidential Employment Stimulus to at least R35 billion to provide a pathway to employment for millions of unemployed. We had similarly hoped government would move from commitments to action to provide relief to struggling businesses and economic sectors, through tax relief, industrial subsidies and by fixing the chaotically inefficient Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Temporary Employment Relief Scheme.
Embattled workers and businesses need solidarity in action.
As we head towards the 2026 Budget Speech, a new mass industrial and SMME financing package with a target of mobilising at least R200 billion annually from the fiscus, developmental finance institutions and the private sector is an absolute necessity. We cannot continue along a path of business as usual and be surprised when growth remains low and unemployment high.
Whilst applauding the tireless efforts of the workers at Eskom to defeat loadshedding, more support is required to ensure all consumers pay their bills to enable electricity to once again become affordable. In the meantime, immediate relief is needed for industrial and other companies threatened with closure as a result of these tariff hikes.
We are encouraged by the turnaround of Transnet and Metro Rail but remain deeply worried by the lack of progress to stabilise and rebuild other State-Owned Enterprises, in particular the South African Broadcasting Corporation, the Post Office and Postbank.
Whilst welcoming proposed interventions to rebuild water and electricity services in various municipalities in Mpumalanga, a much more aggressive set of interventions is desperately needed to stabilise and rebuild increasingly dysfunctional local government. Decisive consequences are needed for those who continue to fail to pay municipal employees and pension funds, to provide basic services and maintain infrastructure.
We are encouraged by progress in identifying a potential 9 000 ghost employees. It is critical that those who have stolen from the state are made to pay the price. These savings must be utilised to hire doctors, nurses, teachers, police and other badly needed frontline staff.
It is critical that government move with speed to finalise the rollout of the Public Procurement Act. This will be a key tool in the war against state capture and corruption and a boost for locally produced goods.
Revenue
We welcome the increased allocation of R31 billion to the fiscus from Gold and Foreign Exchange Reserves. Further engagements are needed on continuous support for the fiscus from these reserves in a manner that is strategic and sustainable.
COSATU applauds the work done by the employees of SARS with revenue collection improving by 9.3% to the value of R19.7 billion.
Further resources must be allocated to SARS with a clear target to raise tax compliance to 75% over the MTEF. Further tax increases upon the working and middle classes must be abandoned and instead tax loopholes exploited by the wealthy as well as the dangerous rise in tax avoidance by illegal imports and illicit goods must be tackled.
There are positive achievements in the MTBPS, including progressive victories that COSATU has fought for.
We are, however, concerned that we are not moving with sufficient speed, nor allocating the substantial resources required to enable the state to provide the quality public and municipal services that the working class and economy depend upon, nor that a tepid economy needs to reach the 3% growth rate necessary to slash unemployment, poverty and inequality.
COSATU will continue to engage with government to adopt a much more bold and aggressive approach as we prepare for the 2026/27 Budget in February.
Issued by COSATU
_________________________
SACP dips its red flag in tribute to Umkhonto we Sizwe veteran and chaplain of our liberation movement, Comrade Moruti Maphatsoe
Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP Head of Media, Communications and Information, 12 November 2025
The South African Communist Party (SACP) dips its red flag in tribute to Comrade Moruti Maphatsoe, a veteran of our liberation struggle who served diligently in the joint ANC-SACP military wing, uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK). The SACP conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to his family, the ANC and the working class for the loss.
Raised in an African working-class family, Comrade Maphatsoe formed part of the millions of Africans who became victims of the apartheid system which relegated African people to sub-human standards all while exploiting their labour power and the environment for monopoly capital and the apartheid system to prosper. Owing to the regime’s racist subjugation of his people, Comrade Maphatsoe joined the liberation struggle and applied himself fully, serving with confidence and diligence as an operative in the MK.
Comrade Maphatsoe was a popular chaplain in many SACP and Alliance activities, not least the annual Chris Hani commemoration. Guided by Marxism-Leninism, Comrade Maphatsoe’s stance on the necessity for the unity of the Alliance, on the one hand, and unity of the working class and poor in championing the struggle for socialism, on the other, was well known and cherished. He understood fully that real upliftment of the people necessitated their economic and political empowerment in the here and now, and that such should not be postponed.
In memory of Comrade Maphatsoe, the SACP calls for working-class unity in the struggle for social emancipation. To that end, the SACP will galvanise its efforts in the fight against the neo-liberal macro-economic policies in our country, in whatever form they manifest, to ensure material development of the people of our country, the majority of whom are working-class and poor.
Hamba Kahle Mkhonto!
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
_______________________
Minister of Employment and Labour reacts to Quarter three Stats SA QLFS Report
12 November 2025
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms Nomakhosazana Meth notes the reduction of the unemployment rate released by the Statistics South Africa, Statistician General Risenga Maluleke, which indicates a 1.3 percentage point decline from 33.2% in Q2 of 2025 to 31.9% in Q3.
According to Stats SA, employment increased by 248 000 in Q3 of 2025, which follows a slight increase of 19 000 in Q2 of 2025. It is encouraging to further note that the official unemployment rate decreased in seven provinces between Q2 and Q3 of 2025, with the largest decrease recorded in Limpopo. However, of concern is that the Eastern Cape recorded an increase of 1.7%, from 39.5% to 41.2%.
Unemployment on the ages 25 to 34 years is reported at 38.4 percent, and 15 to 24 years at 58.5 percent. Unemployed persons, including graduates and the overall NEET (Neither in Employment, Education or Training) rate representing young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years, underlines the urgent need for targeted interventions to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
The Department of Employment and Labour remains committed to addressing structural deficiencies in the labour market, including skills development, access to quality education, and enhanced job creation initiatives. The department is working closely with 17 other government departments in the Economic Cluster and Infrastructure to ensure that infrastructure projects, such as those outlined in the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, are effectively leveraged to create employment opportunities.
The Department provides support to the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, with a contribution of R4,013,000,000 (over four billion Rands) for the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V, targeting over 158 403 Education Assistants (EAs) and General Education Assistants (GEAs payment of stipends. To date, the UIF has disbursed a total of R3,236,140,437.00, transferred in three tranches of R1,956,500,000.00, R634,544,175.00, and R645,096,262.00. These funds have been instrumental in ensuring the timely payment of monthly stipends of R4,000 (gross) to participants. Importantly, all beneficiaries are registered contributors to the UIF, allowing them to access social protection benefits and further strengthening the programme's integration with the formal labour market. We have also partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, as well as the private sector, to focus on the TVET colleges. The Compensation Fund has also implemented targeted bursary program on scarce skills that also addresses funding for the missing middle.
Through Project20000 aimed at the recruitment and placement of 20 000 interns to assist with strengthening the capacity of Inspections, 3500 interns have been appointed, more than doubling the internal capacity of inspectors. The Department has also approved R9 565 551 000 in the last financial year for the Labour Activation Program aimed at recruiting 240 000 individuals.
To further address labour market challenges, the National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Services Amendment Bill aimed at regulating the recruitment of both documented and undocumented foreign nationals, have been approved by Cabinet for implementation. The bills will reduce inconsistencies between the Department of Home Affairs processes and the Department of Employment and Labour. The inconsistencies made it possible for certain visa categories to not be subject to Labour Laws.
“We are working tirelessly with stakeholders across various sectors to implement policies that will drive sustainable employment growth, particularly for young people who remain disproportionately affected. We urge businesses, educational institutions, and civil society to collaborate with us in addressing the unemployment crisis.
Initiatives aimed at skills development, entrepreneurship support, and investment in high-growth sectors are critical in the reduction of the unemployment rate. We will continue to monitor labour market trends and implement policies that foster inclusive economic growth and job creation," says Minister Meth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Thobeka Magcai, Ministry Spokesperson. Email: Thobeka...@Labour.gov.za| Mobile: 072 737 2205.
Issued by: MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR
DATE: 28 August 2025
_____________________
Premier Phophi Ramathuba welcomes significant drop in unemployment in Limpopo
12 Nov 2025
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is pleased that Limpopo has achieved a remarkable drop in its unemployment rate, now standing at 29.8%, a significant decrease from 35% in the second quarter of 2025.
This positive development, as reported by Statistics South Africa on 11 November 2025, positions Limpopo among the best performing provinces in South Africa.
The latest Labour Force Survey indicates that Limpopo has experienced a commendable 5.2% decline in unemployment, contributing to a national unemployment reduction of 1.2%, bringing the national figure to 31.9%. Notably, Limpopo recorded the largest decrease in unemployment among the provinces, showcasing the province’s resilience and potential.
The official unemployment rate decreased in seven provinces between Q2:2025 and Q3:2025. The largest decrease was recorded in Limpopo Province. Employment increases were mainly in the construction, services and trade industries,” said Statistics South Africa.
Premier Dr Ramathuba expressed her enthusiasm regarding these findings: “We welcome the results of the Q3 Labour Force Survey, which affirm our earlier assessments regarding Limpopo’s economic growth trajectory. Our province's contribution of 0.9% to the national GDP highlights the strides we are making as we work collectively to provide opportunities for our residents.”
Further said Premier Dr Ramathuba: “The 29,8% is not the ideal to celebrate but a step towards making sure that unemployment in our province is way below 20% as espoused in the Limpopo Development Plan. It is for this reason we are pushing for more industrialisation, specially manufacturing in our own province.”
The Premier pointed out that the recent investments pledges totalling R170 billion raised from the Limpopo investment conference signify a strong vote of confidence in Limpopo's economy. “It is our responsibility as an administration to ensure that at least 50% of these investment pledges are realised without delay. Our commitment to inclusive growth is unwavering and we will leverage these opportunities for the benefit of our people,” she said.
Premier Dr Ramathuba highlighted the ongoing infrastructure development initiatives which are poised to generate additional employment opportunities. Recent discussions with the South African National Roads Agency Limited, mining houses, the province’s commitment to building 21 new roads have unveiled major projects that will enhance the province’s road network, ultimately leading to job creation during the construction phase.
In conclusion, the Premier said the 7th Administration remains dedicated to fostering a thriving economy in Limpopo. The positive shift in unemployment statistics reinforces the determination to create jobs, fight poverty and curb the high cost of living for all residents of the province.
For
further media enquiries, please contact:
Thilivhali Muavha
Premier’s Spokesperson
Tel: 066 011 7034
E-mail: Mua...@premier.limpopo.gov.za
Ndavhe
Ramakuela
Provincial Government Spokesperson
Tel: 082 200 5357
E-mail: Ramak...@premier.limpopo.gov.za
Issued by Limpopo Office of the Premier
_________________
Premier Lazarus Mokgosi on decline in unemployment rate at North West by two percentage points in the third quarter
11 Nov 2025
Premier of the North West, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, has noted and welcomed the recent figures of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey where unemployment in the province dropped by two percentage points. The third quarter report on the unemployment rate in the North West by Statistics South Africa indicates that the province managed to create forty-two thousand (42 000) jobs between July and September this year.
Early this year, the province adopted the Growth and Development Strategy to drive economic recovery plans centred on infrastructure development, service delivery, investments and job creation. Premier Mokgosi maintains that while the province is not out of the woods yet, the figures are encouraging.
“These figures are indicative of an administration hard at work to address the scourge of unemployment and poverty confronting the province. I have been crisscrossing the province speaking to various enterprises to see how best we can turn the tide on high unemployment figures in the province, and I believe that our efforts are yielding desired results,” Premier Mokgosi maintained.
Premier Mokgosi further says efforts to create jobs in the province will be given impetus by the Provincial Mining Indaba and Investment Conference planned for early next year.
“We recently met with Cabinet where we tabled our efforts to lure investments and drive our economic recovery initiatives and President Cyril Ramaphosa gave us a thumbs up on these ambitious efforts while offering some counselling on how we can circumvent these challenges.”
Premier Mokgosi says the province has also made some significant strides in deterring job losses in ferrochrome mines. “All these efforts and many others will find expression through a Jobs Summit that is aimed at devising strategies on preserving the available jobs while creating new ones in various industries as envisioned in the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy,” concluded Premier Mokgosi.
Enquiries:
Spokesperson to the Premier
Sello Tatai
Cell: 064 756 2510 / 082 450 7842
E-mail: SIT...@nwpg.gov.za
Provincial
Head of Communication: Office of the Premier
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetsw...@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by North West Office of the Premier
International-Solidarity
IndustriALL 4th Congress: Organizing for a Just Future
12 November, 2025
At a time when democracy, peace, and decent work are under threat around the world, IndustriALL’s 4th Congress in Sydney brought together the global trade union movement to reaffirm its mission: to organize workers everywhere, defend rights and build a sustainable, just future for all.
For three days, more than a thousand delegates from nearly a hundred countries debated strategies to strengthen unions, fight inequality, hold global capital accountable and ensure that the industrial transitions of the future leave no worker behind. Guided by the Congress theme, Organizing for a Just Future, IndustriALL’s affiliates renewed their collective determination to turn solidarity into power, and power into change.
IndustriALL and IF Metall president Marie Nilsson opened the Congress by acknowledging that the world of work is being reshaped by technological change, authoritarian politics, and the climate emergency. Yet, she said, the answer lies in solidarity:
“We live in a time of rapid change… But when I look out over the Congress hall, I feel hopeful. I see our joint strength to face these challenges. We are determined to build a more sustainable future, mirrored in our slogan, Organizing for a Just Future.”
Australian union leaders echoed that message. Michele O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, reminded delegates that “there’s only one response to organized capital — and that is organized labour.” Tony Maher, general president of the Mining and Energy Union, welcomed participants on behalf of the host unions, stressing that Australia’s democracy and prosperity “are built on solidarity, not isolation.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a lifelong ally of the labour movement linked Australia’s values to the global struggle for fairness:
“It is absolutely critical that no one is left behind as we go forward,” Albanese said. “We know that fairness, good working conditions and fair pay don’t undermine the labour market — growth and fairness are stronger together. Our purpose is eternal, and that is why solidarity is indeed forever.”
Building union power
Across plenary sessions and action plan debates, delegates returned again and again to one central principle: only strong, democratic and inclusive unions can win justice for workers.
General secretary Atle Høie presented the Secretariat report for the Congress.
"Guided by the Action Plan adopted in 2021 and its four strategic goals, the Secretariat has carried out its work while devoting increasing attention to the growing attacks on democracy and fundamental rights, and to the vital role of unions in defending peace and social justice.
"Our focus is on strengthening trade unions, their capacity to negotiate collective agreements, to remedy violations of fundamental union rights, and to secure a better, more sustainable life for workers."
Highlights included:
The legally binding supply-chain-supported collective bargaining agreement in Cambodia, which will improve wages and working conditions for tens of thousands of workers across the country.
The coming into force of the Hong Kong Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, already having a dramatic impact on safety and environmental protection.
Indonesian unions' fight and win against the country's anti-labour Omnibus law
Capacity building that makes a difference - 52 new youth structures have been developed - 53 new women structures - at least 372,383 new trade union members were recruited - 60,944 unionists participated in capacity building events.
Successfully increasing women's participation at IndustriALL's events. 43 per cent of delegates here in Sydney are women, compared to 28 per cent in Rio in 2016.
In the debate that followed, delegates from Palestine, Myanmar and Ukraine thanked IndustriALL and affiliates for their solidarity support. Trade unionists from Türkiye toThailand, from Brazil to South Africa, addressed Congress and shared how they are relentlessly fighting for workers' rights and a fair, sustainable world.
Action plan debates
Inequality is a defining challenge of our time. IndustriALL’s action plan is clear that only stronger trade unions and collective agreeements can change this narrative. Assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan warned that inequality is
“not an accident; it is the predictable result of rules written by and for those at the top. Our action plan clearly says: today’s inequalities undermine growth, social cohesion and democracy. We must change the rules, so the economy serves all people, not a narrow elite.”
Panelists described how inequality plays out in their regions — through wage stagnation, precarious work, discrimination, and unsafe conditions — and how unions are fighting back. Speakers from Kenya, Brazil, the United States, Iraq, Indonesia and India shared examples of organizing across gender, race, and employment status.
Maria Somma, USW North America, said:
"Research shows that when we organize and bargain across whole companies and supply chains, wage floors rise, contractors get equal pay and safety is enforced. Strong unions are democracy at work. Unions don't just lift individuals though; they lift the entire community."
Speaking on the second session on the action plan, building union power general secretary Atle Høie reminded delegates of the importance of organizing.
“Building trade union power is not just our strategy — it is our survival. Only by organizing every worker, in every workplace, can we shape a future where labour stands stronger than capital.”
Delegates from across the world shared experiences showing how that power is built — from strengthening membership and leadership in Indonesia, to empowering younger generations in Peru, engaging white-collar workers in Ghana, defending workers’ dignity in India, and negotiating new agreements that deliver real gains in Morocco. Together, their stories reflected a shared commitment to expanding membership, unity, and solidarity across every sector.
Said Sanjay Vadhavkar, SMEFI, India:
“Building union power in this sector is not easy — it is a struggle that demands courage, persistence and vision. Organizing is not just about numbers — it’s about supporting workers, defending their dignity, and ensuring their rights are respected across the industry.”
A third pillar of the action plan is confronting the growing power of multinational corporations. Assistant general secretary Christine Olivier said that holding global capital accountable means
“demanding responsibility and insisting that corporations prioritize people over profit.”
Union leaders from Argentina, Italy, Tunisia, South Africa, the United States and Cambodia described their struggles and successes in winning fair wages, safety, and respect in global supply chains. From campaigning against union-busting at Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. to enforcing binding agreements in Cambodia’s garment sector, delegates made it clear that power must be organized at the same global scale as capital.
Athit Kong, CCAWDU Cambodia, said:
“We have the power to bring brands to the negotiating table. We organise from the ground up, from the supply chain up so we can put pressure on global companies and brands. When we have a binding agreement with a global brand then we can interpret that at the National and factory level. This brings results for our workers in the ground. By using our power, we can expand the benefits for our people.”
A just transition led by workers
Climate change, automation and the shift to renewable energy are transforming industries. Congress delegates agreed that these changes must be shaped, not suffered, by workers. Assistant general secretary Kan Matsuzaki said that only a strong, organized labour movement can ensure a Just Transition that protects jobs, communities, and dignity.
Panelists from Australia, Germany, South Africa, Singapore, Morocco and Colombia shared lessons from real transitions underway: start early, protect workers and communities, train for new skills, and keep public control of energy.
Lively debates followed on each of the four action plan sessions where delegates reaffirmed IndustriALL’s commitment to equality, democracy and peace, discussing issues from their countries and industrial sectors, sharing wins and struggles and showcasing global solidarity.
Congress adopted a number of resolutions:
Resolution on trade - international trade must work for working people. We will defend sustainable, fair, union-protected jobs.
Feminist resolution - feminism is a tool to eliminate all forms of opression and discrimination and to build democratic unions.
Resolution on protecting global peace – a call to all states, institutions, NGOs and people to work together to build a world of lasting peace, where justice and human rights are achieved for all people.
Emergency resolution condemning the brutal attacks on SEGAL workers in Liberia, where striking security guards were beaten and arrested while protesting poverty wages and lack of social protection.
Congress elected Christiane Benner, president of IG Metall, as IndustriALL’s new president. Atle Høie was re-elected as general secretary, as were the three assistant general secretaries, Christina Olivier, Kemal Özkan and Kan Matsuzaki. Congress also elected vice presidents – Akihiro Kaneko, Asia-Pacific, Michel Maicon Vasconselos da Silva, Latin America and the Caribbean, Habib Hazemi, Middle East and North Africa, Roxanne Brown, North America, Rose Omamo, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Marie Nilsson, Europe –, as well as members for the Executive Committee for the next Congress period.
As the Congress closed, newly elected president Christiane Benner thanked delegates for the energy and courage that carried the event:
“Some of us risk our freedom and even our lives when we organize workers. We promise: we will fight side by side. Our common vision is a world where everybody has work security, income security, social security, and freedom of association and speech.”
___________________
ILO Governing Body to hold its 355th Session
The ILO Governing Body will meet in Geneva from 17 to 27 November 2025 to review key policy and country matters.
12 November 2025
Content also available in:españolfrançais
GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization’s Governing Body will hold its 355th Session at ILO headquarters in Geneva from 17 to 27 November 2025.
The agenda will include key policy discussions shaping the future of work, such as the follow-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development and an update on the Global Coalition for Social Justice. Members will also review proposals to strengthen the ILO’s effectiveness and efficiency in a changing multilateral environment.
The Governing Body will further consider country-specific developments, including the implementation of resolutions concerning Belarus, Myanmar, Venezuela and Guatemala.
The Governing Body is the ILO’s Executive Body. It meets three times a year – in March, June and November – to take decisions on ILO policies, set the agenda for the International Labour Conference, and adopt the Programme and Budget.
Members of the press can follow the proceedings of the Governing Body. For photos or video footage please contact multi...@ilo.org.
For more information, please contact news...@ilo.org.
______________________________
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