VAVI CHICKEN MARCH A DRESS REHEARSAL?

THE march by the Food and Allied Workers Union in Tshwane yesterday set the tone for the new federation Zwelinzima Vavi is spearheading.

Fawu members marched to the offices of the European Union (EU) in protest against what it terms the dumping of cheap chicken by its (EU) member states in South Africa.

But unlike in November when it took to the streets of the capital city and marched to Treasury, Fawu was yesterday accompanied by some of its allies in the federation that’s to be launched next month.

Vavi, the former Cosatu general secretary, joined Fawu marchers in the scorching sun and addressed them. Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) were also there.

Fawu and Numsa are the biggest drawcard of the new federation. The organisation will be seen as a Cosatu breakaway. It comes as a result of a fallout in Cosatu’s higher echelons, which saw Vavi and Numsa being shown the door.

Over 30 other unions, many of whom were never part of Cosatu, are expected to be part of the new trade union federation.

Speaking to Sowetan at the march, Fawu’s general secretary Katishi Masemola said the action gave a glimpse of what the federation will be about.

“It may well be that it’s an indicator that the new federation will be about occupying the streets, engaging in programme of rolling mass action in order to deliver promises that we’ve made to workers,” Masemola said.

He said the march was not about sending a message to Cosatu.

“To be honest, when we were doing this particular programme it never occurred to our minds to expose Cosatu. We were doing it because it’s worth being pursued.

“It’s not about outsmarting or scoring political goals against Cosatu. It’s about the fact that we believe in campaigns, we believe in militant action to change the situation for workers.”

Vavi told Sowetan Fawu was firmly behind the formation of the “progressive federation”.

“Fawu created Cosatu, Fawu has now created a new federation after Cosatu was stolen by thieves from the workers.” Stephen Faulkner, coordinator of the new federation, thanked the marchers for coming in numbers.

Masemola said up to 40 000 jobs could be lost in South Africa’s poultry sector if nothing was done against nations that dump their cheap chicken in the country.

“It’s not about scoring political goals against Cosatu