Johannesburg - Cosatu will discuss the outcome of its central executive committee (CEC) meeting at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
It was reported on Monday that the CEC decided not to hold a special congress, despite a request by nine Cosatu-affiliated unions, because of financial reasons.
When asked on Tuesday to confirm the report, Congress of SA Trade Unions spokesman Patrick Craven said: “That is why we have a media briefing. All [of] that will be discussed at the briefing.”
In January, nine Cosatu affiliates called for the reinstatement of suspended Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and for a special congress.
The nine unions reportedly boycotted the CEC meeting on Monday.
Vavi was suspended last year after he admitted to having an affair with a junior employee. The affiliates believed the disciplinary process instituted against Vavi was unjust.
They wanted the congress to be held by the end of March and a new Cosatu leadership elected.
They were the Communication Workers Union, the Democratic Nurses Union of SA, the Food and Allied Workers Union, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, the Public and Allied Workers Union of SA, the SA Commercial and Catering Workers Union, the SA Football Players Union, the SA Municipal Workers Union, and the SA State and Allied Workers Union.
On Monday, four regional offices of the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union threw their weight behind the call for Vavi's reinstatement.
They also called for a special congress to be held. - Sapa