EMS Lesson: Introduction to Trade Unions in South Africa

Welcome

• Instructor: Shantae Emanuel
• Platform: Tumamina Teaching
• Focus: Economy section of EMS, specifically trade unions

Key Topics Covered

1. Introduction to Trade Unions

   • Trade unions: organized groups representing workers' rights
   • Function: Protect and further workers' rights and interests
   • Controlled and managed by its members

2. Important Trade Union in South Africa

   • Example: COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions)
   • Role: Negotiates with employers on hiring, dismissals, wages, and working conditions

3. History of Trade Unions in South Africa

   • Origin: Late 1800s to early 1900s in industries like mining and railways
   • Role in anti-apartheid struggle: Organized strikes and protests

4. Functions of Trade Unions

   • Represent employee rights during disciplinary hearings
   • Offer advice on labor legislation (e.g., Basic Conditions of Employment Act)
   • Participate in collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and conditions

5. Concept of Collective Bargaining

   • Definition: Negotiation between trade unions and employers
   • Aim: Improve basic working conditions

6. Role and Responsibilities of Trade Unions

   • Negotiate with employers
   • Visit workplaces
   • Deduct membership fees from wages
   • Call protected legal industrial action
   • Operate as non-profit organizations

7. Industrial Action

   • Types: Legal and illegal
   • Legal strike requirements: Dispute referred to CCMA, unresolved certificate, 30-day wait, 48-hour notice
   • Illegal strikes: Wildcat strikes without trade union support
   • Picketing: Workers protest outside
   • Go slows: Reduced productivity
   • Lockouts: Employer-initiated work stoppage during illegal strikes

Importance of Trade Unions

• Ensure employee well-being
• Contribute to sustainable economic growth
• Ensure fair wages and good working conditions

Conclusion

• End of EMS lesson series
• Encouragement to complete self-marking assessments
• Looking forward to Grade 10 classes in Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics