Johannesburg - South Africa will know this month when a new labour federation being led by axed Cosatu boss Zwelinzima Vavi will be launched.
The steering committee of the federation said it had given itself a three-week deadline to finalise its launch date.
Vavi said yesterday that the federation’s constitution largely focused on areas that had been neglected by unions and other federations. It would cover independence, worker control, accountability, socialist orientation, non-sexism and non-racism.
“We have attempted to build measures in the constitution that pay more than lip service to crucial principles and will instead offer a vibrant, inclusive and transparent space for workers to discuss the challenges they face,” he said.
“The constitution we envisage will not be a throwback to times gone by; it will be a living document that guides our actions and helps to ensure the leadership and membership are not socially distanced.”
The new federation is set to be launched early next year. Its formation is being largely led by the biggest union in the country, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA.
However, it also has the possible backing from the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union and a number of other smaller unions, including Cosatu’s former affiliate, the Food and Allied Workers Union.
One aspect the federation would focus on was allowing workers to be independent and not to be forced to align with any political organisation.
“We have had robust discussions on the question of independence, and despite our differences, we will not affiliate to any political party. We will also not enter into any cosy deals with employers that undermine members’ conditions,” said Vavi.
However, it would not be entirely apolitical; it would support issues punted by political parties it believed in.
Months after announcing its ambitious plans to tackle worker disillusionment and job losses, the committee has yet to embark on its recruitment drive, which is aimed at 76 percent of non-unionised workers.