Congress Of South African Trade Unions

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is a trade union federation in South Africa. It was founded in 1985 and is the biggest of the country’s three main trade union federations, with 21 affiliated trade unions, altogether organising 1.8 million workers.

Establishment

Cosatu was established in 1985 following unity talks between competing unions and federations. At its launch it represented less than half a million workers organised in 33 unions, but saw rapid growth in its early years. Elijah Barayi was the organisation’s first president and served until 1991.

Government

Cosatu is part of an alliance with the ANC and the South African Communist Party, often called the tripartite alliance. Cosatu’s role in the alliance has been the subject of debate, since the organisation has been critical of some of the ANC government's policies. While some affiliates have argued for greater independence from the ruling political party, others have argued that the arrangement gives Cosatu a political influence beneficial to its members.

Zimbabwe

In October 2004 and February 2005 COSATU sent delegations to Zimbabwe to judge conditions in that country before the 2005 Zimbabwe parliamentary elections. They were expelled from the country on both occasions. Protests have been arranged at the Zimbabwe High Commission to take place on March 9 and March 16, with a mass march to the commission on March 23. Border blockades with Zimbabwe would occur on March 11, and March 18, with another mass march and night vigil on March 30.

Current officeholders

External links

 

<< PreviousWord BrowserNext >>
mike connors
alexander gray
lastresort
adams wilson hobbycopter
mud terrain tyre
victor plarr
province of mantua
la garenne colombes
bad company (drum and bass artist)
w 95
stellar structure
skibladner
larsen jensen
ata cruiser
nudity in science fiction literature
vaubadon
vaucelles
vaudeloges
directional drilling
tavira
nstor cerpa cartolini
vaudry
richard axel
vauville
vauville, calvados
terrence higgins trust
ubermorgen
gm theta platform
linda b. buck
hyundai tucson
arab british helicopter company
kia sportage
hedmark museum
dora sigerson shorter
perkunas
gavio, portugal
wespe
donald tyson
injunction generator
german wine
mjsa
atalaia
atalaia (gavio)
belver