Fawu rejects tripartite alliance

File picture: Matthews Baloyi

File picture: Matthews Baloyi

Published Aug 24, 2016

Share

Belan Bela - The majority of delegates attending the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) congress say the union is ready to part ways with the ANC-led alliance.

The members say the ruling party, the SACP and Cosatu have failed to serve the interests of workers.

The exception were delegates from the Western Cape, who implored congress not to cut ties but rather spend time explaining to workers what its expectations of the alliance were and what its failures had been.

“Taking decisions without proper consultation comes with a loss of benefits it might have achieved before. It would be premature for congress to leave without trying to influence the status within,” said Western Cape Fawu chairperson Jackie Brader.

However those who addressed the gathering’s plenary on Wednesday would not have any of it, saying their mandate was clear.

“Us as Limpopo, we don't want to waste the congress’ time. We have a clear mandate, that the marriage we had in the alliance is over. We are not continuing with that marriage. It did not assist workers of this country,” said a Limpopo delegate.

The same call was echoed by Gauteng, Free State, North West and the Eastern Cape, who urged the union to find a new political home in Numsa formed, United Front which they believe could deliver a socialist government.

“We must decide as Fawu to align ourselves with the decision but should not be in a hurry although we see that the more time we waste, otherwise the country will be ruled by capitalists. We are moving out of the alliance, and will be part of the United Front politically going forward,” recommended Gauteng province.

The congress will also discuss its standing within Cosatu, which it has boycotted since 2014 when Numsa was kicked out of the federation.

 

@ThetoThakane

Labour Bureau

Related Topics: