Unions steel themselves for big split

Metalworkers’ union Numsa has signalled that  it is all but out of Cosatu and ready to launch its own federation.The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and fellow dissident affiliates of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) are  talking of holding a workers’ summit later this year.

It will be the latest move that could lead to a formal split of South Africa’s largest trade union federation and pave the way for the formation of a new rival.

Numsa members decided in 2013 on a possible alternative to Cosatu‚ but had also decided that all possible attempts had to be made to reclaim the federation‚ Numsa deputy general secretary Karl Cloete said.

Last week members of the nine unions lost in their push to sway a special national congress  they had hoped would reinstate ousted general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and reverse Numsa’s expulsion.

On behalf of the nine affiliates‚ South African Football Players’ Union general secretary Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe said  the group had been “appalled” by the “rigged” special national congress.  Still‚ Cosatu would be invited to the proposed summit which would “rebuild the movement Cosatu once was‚ only much bigger and more effective”.

A total of 18 affiliates attended Cosatu’s special national congress last week.

The federation declared it a success‚ with president Sdumo Dlamini offering an olive branch to all affiliates.

The  “nine-plus” unions are now short of the Communication Workers’ Union‚ which this week said it had resolved to withdraw from the grouping to end the entrenchment of divisions.

“We have always said Numsa will never impose that decision on other affiliates‚” said Cloete.

“We must build a new labour federation. Cosatu is gone; it has been hijacked and redirected.”

Consultation was needed in Numsa too‚ including on whether attempts to return to Cosatu should be dropped.