Johannesburg - The divided National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has been weakened by leaders who are interested in forming part of the mooted new union federation.
This is according to the union’s President, Piet Matosa, who in his opening address to the union’s central committee on Thursday urged NUM members to defend Cosatu against the yet to be launched federation.
A new union federation is being launched by, among others, Zwelinzima Vavi. It will focus on exposing and fighting anti-worker legislation by putting pressure on the state to improve its policies.
The new federation would also focus on attracting the 7.4 million unorganised workers in the formal sector by developing what it describes as genuine alternatives where government is seen to be failing.
Matosa also described as “superficial” divisions within the union, saying these would be overcome by a strategic and united leadership.
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The union has struggled to retain unity within its fold since the establishment of factions in the lead-up to its hotly contested elective congress last year.
“We are not divided comrades, its only an artificial division which we will over come,” Matosa said.
Matosa says he would not be surprised if people think NUM is divided. He says the division is superficial. #NUMCC @ThetoThakane @IOL
— Zintle Mahlati (@ZintleMahlati) June 2, 2016
He also warned of further divisions as branches prepare to host conferences this year.
NUM has been haemorrhaging members for over 5 years to rivals, a situation worsened by the current economic decline which has led to the shedding of jobs in the mining industry.
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However, Matosa told the 700 delegates attending the meeting in Pretoria that the union would fight against retrenchments.
“We are also confronted by a procession of retrenchments, closure of mines, rival and split unions, acquisition and mergers of companies. If proper jobs are not created, this will impact NUM terribly. We need to defend and protect current jobs,” he said.
The union also hoped new unconventional strategies would attract back members.
“We need to be inspirational and motivational to those who are hopeful and to those who are hopeless, [or] we will not rise out of decline as an organisation,” Matosa added.
LABOUR BUREAU