Splinter unions a concern: Vavi
2012-08-25 16:25
Johannesburg - The emergence of splinter unions formed by
former members of Cosatu was "extremely worrying," Cosatu general secretary
Zwelinzima Vavi said on Saturday.
"The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) is currently
facing a massive challenge from splinter unions, formed by disgruntled elements
within our ranks," Vavi said in a speech prepared for delivery.
He was speaking at a conference for the SA Medical
Association's doctors who work in the public service.
The emergence of Natawu, a breakaway from the SA Transport
and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) led by former Satawu president and Amcu,
which was formed by former NUM members and shop stewards was extremely
worrying, he said.
"This represents the biggest onslaught waged by the
bourgeoisie against the living standards of the working class," said Vavi.
Former Satawu president Ephraim Mphahlele resigned from the
union two weeks ago to join splinter union National Transport Allied Workers
Union (Natawu).
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union
(Amcu) was formed by former member of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM),
Joseph Mathunjwa.
Vavi said Cosatu's "biggest test" would be how to
unite against "this orchestrated attack from the employers, right wing
organisations and their think tanks."
"In sectors as vulnerable as mining, transport and
cleaning, the real beneficiaries of these divisions are the capitalists who own
and control our economy today."
He said Cosatu subscribed to a “one industry, one union”
principle and believed that workers’ unity was sacrosanct.
"This is why we believe that splinters are inherently
harmful... because they divide the loyalties of the workers and undermine their
unity," Vavi said.
- SAPA