/ 5 June 1997

Boer labour union launched

THURSDAY, 4.30PM

THE Boerevolk Werkersunie announced on Thursday that it was launched last weekend to withstand what it called the destructive effects of affirmative action.

In a statement issued in Pretoria, the union said it hopes to attract one million members, who will be served by 150 full-time officials in 120 offices being set up countrywide.

The union, in addition to labour matters, intends to set up other initiatives such as training its members in armed self-defence to prepare them for situations such as car hijackings and armed robberies, for which highly trained instructors have already been appointed.

The union will also offer members a 24-hour telephonic legal advice service.

Among its planned campaigns will be a push to have traditional Afrikaans holidays recognised as paid holidays.

Boerestaat leader Robert van Tonder was elected the union’s first president.