Launch of new union group hits hiccups

THE issues of credentials and items to place on the agenda marred the launch congress of the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) in Boksburg yesterday.

There were arguments by Saftu unions over several issues, including the exact number of voting delegates.

After delaying the congress for a while, it was agreed that 1 384 delegates would be allowed to vote in the federation’s leadership tomorrow.

Besides the national office bearers, the delegates would this weekend also vote for the federation’s name, logo, colours, and constitution.

Seasoned unionist, Zwelinzima Vavi, who is national convener of the steering committee, said all the issues would be addressed today. He urged comrades to develop a spirit of consensus.

The steering committee was expected to meet last night to thrash out ideas on how to manage leadership. It will report back to the congress today. Vavi said nominations for the positions of the federation’s president, deputy president, general secretary, deputy general secretary, and national treasurer, would be on the agenda for discussion and the deadline for nominations was 11am today.

The congress could be seen as marking a historic moment in the country’s labour movement, largely because of the number of unions who have joined.

The hundreds of unionists present at the congress included members of the biggest unions in the country, Numsa and Fawu, and 22 other unions.

The federation hopes to make inroads in recruiting workers who aren’t unionised, who make up almost 70% of the country’s workforce.

But it remains to be seen if Saftu can ensure unity.

The congress ends tomorrow with the announcement of its leadership.