The New Trade Union Federation, spearheaded by leaders expelled from labour federation Cosatu, this week released lists of its signed-up members as well as potential future affiliates, already making it the country’s second-largest labour grouping.
The lists were released at a press conference, held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, and indicate that the still-unnamed New Federation may absorb more unions from Cosatu as well as from the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu), the one existing federation which has not been dismissive of the project.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa), along with Cosatu and Nactu, are the country’s largest federations and together represent labour in Nedlac, which – as the consensus-seeking body comprising government, business, labour and civil society – is an important lever to directly influence policy and legislation.