Johannesburg - All eyes are on Cosatu affiliate, the Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu), as it holds its much anticipated congress this week where it will decide whether to stay in the federation.
Fawu has been contemplating its possible departure from the labour organisation for some time, with some within the union in favour of joining the yet to be launched federation organised by former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi among others.
The meeting in Bela Bela, Limpopo, is a defining moment for Fawu, and those who want it to remain in Cosatu will not go down without a fight.
Well wishes and messages of encouragement have poured in from Cosatu affiliates which have reminded Fawu of its importance to the federation.
Congress delegates will also elect new leaders, a point of contention within the union which has seen the dismissal of a number of provincial leaders in the wake of infighting in Cosatu.
“We hope that Fawu delegates will use their power to unite their organisation and refuse to allow any divisions or fragmentation in their organisation,” said Cosatu spokesman Sizwe Pamla.
“We also trust that the workers will use this congress to defend their federation and also use this opportunity to reaffirm Fawu as an affiliate of Cosatu. This federation remains a home of all workers and all workers will be better organised under the leadership of Cosatu.”
Health union Nehawu, police union Popcru, and teachers’ union Sadtu which have been on opposite ends with Fawu during the Cosatu, also issued media statements ahead of the three-day congress.
Nehawu pushed for critical debate at the meeting, also warning of “external pressures”.
“We are very much hopeful that the delegates will assist all of us to find the lasting solutions towards strengthening the federation of the workers, our alliance, our country and its people. The militant character of Fawu gives us confidence that, no amount of external pressure will succeed in dividing Cosatu and all workers,” a statement issued by the union said.
The SACP, which is in an alliance with Cosatu, reminded workers that the federation would always be home to them.
“The SACP pledges to work together with Cosatu to entrench the federation as the home of the food and allied workers. The SACP urges the current leadership of Fawu to place the unity of union and Cosatu above their own personal interests and preferences.”
@ThetoThakane
Labour Bureau