Johannesburg - Solidarity does not want a part in moves to form a new workers’ federation, the union has told Independent Media.
The move for the new federation is led by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), the country’s largest union and with whom Solidarity has collaborated in recent times.
With talks still under way on the policies and political direction of the new federation - due to launch next year - Solidarity has indicated while collaboration is an option, it would prefer to remain outside the fold.
Read also: Founding principles for the new union federation
Solidarity had initially shown interest and accepted an invitation earlier this month to the Workers’ Summit, which was organised by Numsa and other new federation drivers.
But there are ideological differences between the union and others keen on the new federation.
“We don’t want to create tensions with regard to certain policies that we may differ on such as affirmative action,” said Solidarity general secretary Gideon du Plessis.
In addition, the union does not want to cut ties it has with other federations, such as Cosatu and Fedusa, and their affiliates.
Solidarity has often worked with Numsa during wage negotiations and on programmes to improve the living conditions of miners.
“We want to remain neutral, but we are willing to co-operate in campaigns when we have a common interest,” explained Du Plessis.
Zwelinzima Vavi, who is the national convener of the steering committee of the new federation, said while he was disappointed at Solidarity’s decision, it was unsurprising. “With them we wanted to show that we are a non-racial organisation,” Vavi added.
PRETORIA NEWS