COSATU Call Center Number 010 002 2590

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has recently launched a new call center to provide much-needed assistance to workers facing labour-related challenges. This dedicated resource aims to offer support, information, and guidance to both members of COSATU-affiliated unions and unorganized workers, ensuring that they have a place to turn for help with workplace issues.

COSATU salutes the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on its 42nd Anniversary

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) applauds the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) for its remarkable leadership in steering the interests of workers in the mining, construction, and energy industries for the past 42 years. Since the formation of this militant affiliate of COSATU in December of 1982, workers organised in these sectors are in a far better position in their respective workplaces.

Workers in the mining, construction, and energy sectors are constantly exposed to extreme dangers while profit making companies’ greed clouds their reasoning to provide employees with decent wages and safe working conditions.

With the relentless spirit of the (NUM), companies are unable to circumvent the requirements of the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1996, a progressive legislation that was enacted through the union’s vigor. Following its introduction, employees are amongst others, given the right to refuse to work in dangerous conditions and employers are monitored in their obligations to identify and eliminate hazards. This was a significant achievement in decreasing the deaths of mining workers.

The union once again proved its stewardship by insisting on the establishment of the Mineworkers Provident Fund in 1989 whose core objective would be to be a retirement fund of choice in the mining industry. To date, the provident fund services mineworkers not only in South Africa, but in neighboring countries as well.

Members of NUM can fully depend on the union’s notable commitment in fostering conditions that are favorable to them. This year, the union maintained its impeccable record by securing above inflation salary agreements of five years at various mines. Its resistance to mass retrenchments continues, which is indicative of its allegiance to its members.

COSATU congratulates NUM for elevating its members in the mining, construction, and energy industries. Its long list of wins has changed the lives of not only their members but of all workers in these sectors and affected communities.

Phambili nge NUM phambili!

Here’s to another 42 years and beyond!

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za