Madeleine Wackernagel
THE formation of the second-largest trade union federation this week drew a unanimously positive response, even from its bigger rival, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa), created through the merger of the Federation of South African Labour Unions (Fedsal) and the Federation of Organisations Representing Civil Employees, will represent 25 employee groups with a total membership of 515 000.
“The move is significant,” says one analyst, “and more of a change than we realise.The new organisation is far more representative in terms of race and skills across the board, which augurs well for the future of the labour movement.”
Says another: “Fedsal played a remarkable role in the consensus-building process at Nedlac [National Economic Development and Labour Council]; it is vital that Fedusa continues that tradition.”
Certainly general secretary Dannhauser van der Merwe does not expect any major changes: “The principles upon which Fedusa is established are no different to those of Fedsal – political independence; equal opportunities and non-discrimination; disciplined action; professionalism and support for balanced economic policies.”
Nor did he foresee any difficulties with Cosatu. “They have been expecting this move for some time; talks have been ongoing. They may not have expected it to happen this quickly but I don’t see it creating any problems. We will continue to take a non-political stance, which may put us at odds with Cosatu’s more militant line – for instance, their call for a national strike last year, which we didn’t agree with, and their more recent action over Swaziland – but that shouldn’t create ructions in the labour movement as a whole.
“Cosatu cannot, however, speak for `organised labour’ alone – there are now three major federations operating in South Africa. Many workers are not political and just want to get on with their lives, in a fair and productive working environment. They should be allowed to do so.”
The move “would have no impact on Cosatu”, said a Cosatu representative. “It is one of Cosatu’s founding principles to represent the whole of South Africa’s labour force. One day, even if it takes 10 years, we hope to achieve that, but in the meantime, we are working towards common goals in terms of Nedlac and will continue to strive for a co-operative environment.”
Van der Merwe, who is leaving in a few months to set up his own business, is seen in the industry as having been pivotal to keeping the disparate membership of Fedsal together. Hence, concern has been raised about his departure, which he was quick to allay.
“I gave notice some time ago and am staying on to oversee this period of transition but I have no doubt that the movement will go from strength to strength. We have some very experienced people in charge, including the new president, Mary Malete, who was vice-president of Fedsal for more than a year.”