The Congress of South African Trade Unions wishes the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) a successful and productive National Congress at the Birchwood Conference Centre, in Boksburg starting today.   

The Federation wishes all delegates constructive deliberations geared towards uniting the working class. This Congress takes place at a time when the working class is under siege with the latest statistics showing that we are sitting with the record unemployment rate of 46%.  

The gap between the rich and the poor has widened. As more working people are attacked, through cuts and job losses, inequalities have widened. The increase in inequality means working families’ purchasing power is significantly diminished.

Monopoly capital is escalating its offensive in terms of the restructuring of the workplace, casualisation and retrenchments as part of responding to a low-level economic growth since the 2009 recession.

This then underscores our conclusion that the balance of class forces or the relation of social forces in terms of the political economy is decisively in favour of monopoly capital and has put to test the role of organised working class in the current role.

The decline in unionisation (now around 29% of the workforce) and density is a matter that needs special attention from all unions and federations. We trust that SAFTU will discuss these matters and come out with resolutions that will help workers find solutions. 

We wish all the delegates cordial and productive deliberations. 

Issued by COSATU

Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 010 219 1339
Cell: 060 975 6794