The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its resilient affiliate, Communications Workers Union (CWU), on holding a successful National Congress from 15 to 17 July in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.  This marks a positive turnaround for CWU which not long ago experienced severe challenges organisationally and within its sector.

The National Congress was convened following Provincial Congresses across eight provinces with the last province to convene a Provincial Congress and elect provincial leaders shortly.

The National Congress marks a new chapter for CWU and will see the National Office Bearers take forward the work started by the Task Team that steered the union through choppy waters to Congress.

CWU has a momentous task ahead considering the dynamic sector it organises. The South African Post Office, for instance, has applied to court to exit business rescue. Developments are aplenty in the telephony and connectivity sectors. Relations between the SABC and CWU have been challenging to say the least and will require specific focus as well recruiting workers facing unfair labour practises in the rapidly growing call centre industry.

COSATU wishes the leadership of CWU at every level all the best, as they revive and strengthen the union into a sustainable, thriving organisation that fights tooth and nail to defend and advance workers’ rights in the ICT sector.  The Federation will continue to work closely with CWU to ensure it has the support it requires as it recruits, organises and services workers across the communications sectors.

Issued by COSATU    

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za