How To Start A Workers Union In South Africa
What is Workers Union or Labour Union?
A labor union is an organization that acts as an intermediary between its members and the business that employs them. The main purpose of labor unions is to give workers the power to negotiate for more favorable working conditions and other benefits through collective bargaining
How To Start A Workers Union In South Africa
- Step 1: Talk to Your Coworkers. A union is when workers join together to improve their jobs.
- Step 2: Talk to a Union Organizer.
- Step 3: Start a Committee.
- Step 4: Know Your Rights.
- Step 5: Sign Union Support Cards.
- Step 6: Vote!
- Step 7: Negotiate Your Contract.
Register trade union
To register a trade union, you must apply to the Registrar of Labour Relations at the Department of Employment and Labour.
A trade union is an organisation of workers that promotes and protects the interests of its members in issues such as wages and working conditions, especially through negotiations with employers. Trade unions do not have to be registered with the Department of Labour, but registered unions have additional rights.
Send your application (Registration as a Trade Union, LRA 6.1) to the Registrar of Labour Relations, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 4 types of unions in South Africa?
Fedusa general secretary Dennis George said that, while Fedusa respected the constitutional rights of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and the “nine-plus” unions to form the labour federation, SA already had four trade union federations, namely Cosatu, Consawu, Fedusa, and Nactu
How does unions work in South Africa?
Trade unions are independent organisations that represent workers to their employers. If you join a trade union, you are joining a group that will negotiate workplace issues such as salary, hours of work, and other conditions, on your behalf.
Why are Labour unions important in South Africa?
In South Africa, trade unions for many years not only fought for worker’s rights within the workplace but also beyond the workplace. Trade unions started as friendly societies aimed at assisting their members with various matters, including offering financial help for education purposes and also in cases of illnesses.
Why are Labour unions important in South Africa?
In South Africa, trade unions for many years not only fought for worker’s rights within the workplace but also beyond the workplace. Trade unions started as friendly societies aimed at assisting their members with various matters, including offering financial help for education purposes and also in cases of illnesses.
How many employees are needed to form a union in South Africa?
A majority trade union is a trade union that has as members, a minimum of 50% plus 1 of the total employees employed by the employer in a workplace.
Can I join a union without my employer knowing?
You have the right to decide whether you want to join a trade union or not. Employers are not entitled to know whether you are in a union.
Can HR join a union?
The Short Answer: Anyone! Any worker can form or join a union at its most basic: a group of workers who take collective action to win material changes in their workplace.
Can an employee belong to two unions?
Dual unionism is the development of a union or political organization parallel to and within an existing labor union. In some cases, the term may refer to the situation where two unions claim the right to organize the same workers.
Is it worth joining a union?
On average, union members get higher pay than non-members. They are also likely to get better sickness and pension benefits, more paid holiday and more control over things like shifts and working hours. This is because workers join together to negotiate pay and conditions rather than leaving them up to managers.
Can a manager be in a union?
Managers and supervisors are also not protected by the NLRA, and cannot join unions or be part of the bargaining unit. These employees are considered to be part of a company’s management rather than its labor force
Can anyone start a union?
You can start a labor or trade union at almost any company as long as you and your coworkers decide your job would be better with a union to back you up.
Why you should not join a union?
When unions demand higher wages, employers with limited funds may have to cut staff to pay higher wages. Union rules typically guarantee job security based on seniority, so a productive newer worker can be laid off while a less-productive worker with seniority stays. That’s bad for you if you’re new to the business.
How do unions get their money?
As with many other organizations, union costs are paid by member dues that typically cost about $50 a month. Most unions have paid staff to manage their operations. While some staff may be paid by union dues, members also often volunteer