By Patrick Deale ; Opinion Piece 2022

Question

Trade unions’ war-like rhetoric out of step with attempts to build a modern SA economy

The purpose of unions is to pursue the means to satisfy these desires for its members in the workplace. They are legally
enabled to do so by using the collective power of their members. The reformed Labour Relations Act (LRA) of 1979 was a
government defensive strategy to prevent economic destruction after the 1970s social uprisings. It institutionalized a
traditional model of labour relations which promoted inherently adversarial structures for the regulation of the relationship
between management and unions. One pillar accorded rights to management and unions under the principle of unfair labour
practices. The other systemized wealth distribution through collective bargaining to determine wage levels and other
conditions of employment. There was no structure to encourage growth or wealth creation activities between management
and labour. The relationship was confined to building ‘us vs them’ mindsets. Conducted by legal rights on one hand and
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power on the other, workplace relationships inevitably suffered and descended into often violent conflict. Two powerful forces
intensified this adversarialism. One was the liberation Struggle in which capital was identified as a legitimate target by the
trade union movement. The other was a ferocious state-run propaganda campaign promoting the idea that the unions’ real
agenda was a Communist plot to overthrow the government. As “defensive” management and “offensive” labour polarized,
distrust intensified. Fixated on formal agreements to reaffirm their rights, unions became anti-capitalist and anti-production.
Employers were branded as the “enemy”. This was the response to reparations for the damage done by 50 years of
oppression under apartheid. The unions purported to identify themselves as a “revolutionary movement” in pursuit of Marxist
ideologies. The revolutionary political battle carried through to the employment arena as the new site of struggle. They
rejected the workplace forum innovation in the amended LRA in 1995. This, modelled on Germany, was designed to add a
third pillar of workplace participation alongside the other two pillars of rights and power through collective bargaining. Unions
were suspicious that cooperation with employers meant co-option and selling out to capital. Now, 40 years on, this deeply
embedded psychology of mistrust, anti-capitalist ideology and militancy persists. Increasing dysfunctional political conflict
during the Jacob Zuma years and the harsh demands of a modern economy, have torn the union movement apart.
The once-powerful rallying calls “One country, one federation”, “One industry one union” and “An injury to one is an injury to
all” have become hollow — if not fallen silent. In 2022, the unity on which collective bargaining has depended for its power
has disintegrated. There are no less than 24 union federations and over 200 trade unions registered in South Africa. The
“one-industry one union” policy has been dropped and “general unions” go in search of members in any industry. Total union
membership has fallen from 47% in 1990 to less than 25% in 2021 at 3.1 million. On May Day 2022, the EFF announced
the creation of yet another, its own EFF union. They all compete in the ever-shrinking pool of those fortunate to be employed
(14 million) in a sea of unemployment (8 million). And their competitive edge is aggression and who can be the most militant.
The traditional annual cycle of wage negotiations is dysfunctional. It’s an ever more aggressive and often violent encounter
producing diminishing returns for members — often at the cost of real wages in protracted strikes which can never be
recovered. Business is about taking informed risks to reap desired rewards. Management continuously works to mitigate
identified risks to maximize rewards. They must do so in a brutally competitive environment presenting a host of external
risks. And they must work equally hard to mitigate the internal risks presented by the declared “enemy” within the business
— hostile unions hellbent on using blunt instrument power to give in to demands. Why do union members continue
pursuing these losses, and even their jobs, during protracted strikes when final increases seldom exceed inflation
plus one or two per cent? With your group members, write a report to answer the question asked by Patrick Deale. Follow
the below instructions:
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Step 1: Background Information
o You are expected to formulate a title for your report - What is the title of your report?
o Provide background information relating to trade unions globally, and South African context. Discuss the connection
between politics, economy and trade unions.
o Explain your reason for writing your report.
Step 2: Literature Review
o You are also expected to find three additional sources (book chapters, journal articles or newspaper articles - soft or
hard copy) that are relevant to the topic. Present a summary of these three sources.
o In this step, you are expected to identify different types of trade unions and discuss why workers join trade unions,
the main objectives of trade union trades, and the approaches trade unions use to attain their objectives.
o You are also expected to apply the main argument of the sociological theorist Patrick Deale critically refers to in his
opinion piece.
Step 3: Identifying and defining core concepts
o From your sources, identify and define three (3) concepts related to the topic found in step two (2).
Step 4: Choosing a research design and data-gathering strategies
o You are not expected to conduct a survey or interact with people, rather you are expected to make use of existing
data.
o Identify the technique you used in the study and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the technique.
o Also, briefly discuss your experience of the technique.
Steps 5 and 6: Analyzing the data and drawing conclusions
o Identify three (3) existing trade unions in South Africa.
o Report on what you have discovered related to the trade unions you have identified: who the trade unions cater to,
the number of their memberships, objectives of the trade unions, methods they use to attain their objectives, and
their affiliation with other trade unions.
o Based on the information you have gathered, provide an answer as to: Why do union members continue pursuing
these losses, and even their jobs, during protracted strikes when final increases seldom exceed inflation plus one
or two percent?
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In your assignment, give attention to the following:
o You must have a title page (with all group member’s student numbers).
o You must have a table of contents.
o Background Information.
o The content of your assignment should address the above steps in the research process.
o Conclusion.
o List references - Harvard Referencing guide uploaded on Blackboard.
NB Technical aspects are important:
o Your assignment must be typed in a 12 font, 1 ½ spacing.
o Content must be between (minimum) 5 and (maximum) 10 pages of the content excluding cover page.
o Table of content and list of reference - remember to number your pages. write the report in the most humanised manner following the following rubric. 1.Provide detailed background information relating to trade unions globally, and South African context. Discuss the connection between politics, economy and trade unions. Explain your reason for writing your report. Provide detailed background information relating to trade unions globally, and South African context. Discuss the connection between politics, economy and trade unions. Explain your reason for writing your report. 2. Identify and discuss the different types of trade unions and detailed discussion why workers join trade unions, the main objectives of trade union trades, and the approaches trade unions use to attain their objectives. Discuss and apply the main argument of the sociological theorist Patrick Deale critically refers to in his opinion piece. 3. identify and define three (3) concepts related to the topic found in your literature search. 4. Identified the technique you used in the study and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the technique. A briefly discuss your experience of the technique. 5. Identify three (3) existing trade unions in South Africa. Report on what you have discovered related to the trade unions you have identified: who the trade unions cater to, the number of their memberships, objectives of the trade unions, methods they use to attain their objectives, and their affiliation with other trade unions. 6. Based on the information you have gathered, write brief summary of the assignment and provide an answer as to: Why do union members continue pursuing these losses, and even their jobs, during protracted strikes when final increases seldom exceed inflation plus one or two percent? Link your answer to the information you have discussed under different subheadings of the assignment.

Answer 1

Report on the Current State of Trade Unions in South Africa

Title Page

Title: The Current State of Trade Unions in South Africa: Between Modern Economic Demands and Adversarial Histories

Group Members' Student Numbers:

1. [Student Number 1]
2. [Student Number 2]
3. [Student Number 3]
4. [Student Number 4]

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Table of Contents

1. Background Information
   • 1.1 Global Context of Trade Unions
   • 1.2 South African Context
   • 1.3 Connection Between Politics, Economy, and Trade Unions
   • 1.4 Purpose of the Report
2. Literature Review
   • 2.1 Types of Trade Unions
   • 2.2 Reasons Workers Join Trade Unions
   • 2.3 Objectives and Approaches of Trade Unions
   • 2.4 Application of Patrick Deale's Argument
3. Core Concepts Definition
4. Research Design and Data-Gathering Strategy
   • 4.1 Technique Used
   • 4.2 Advantages and Disadvantages
   • 4.3 Experience with the Technique
5. Trade Unions in South Africa
   • 5.1 Union Identification and Analysis
6. Conclusion and Summary
7. References

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1. Background Information

1.1 Global Context of Trade Unions

Trade unions have played a pivotal role in the labor movement globally, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Originating in the industrial revolution, they have evolved from small groups of trade-specific workers to large federations representing various industries and sectors. Globally, they serve as crucial intermediaries between workers and employers, shaping labor rights through collective bargaining and activism.

1.2 South African Context

In South Africa, the role of trade unions has been significantly shaped by the country’s apartheid history. The formation of unions became a means of organizing against systemic oppression and gaining workers' rights. Unions like the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the National Union of Mineworkers were instrumental in the anti-apartheid movement, intertwining labor issues with broader social and political struggles.

1.3 Connection Between Politics, Economy, and Trade Unions

The political landscape of South Africa has profoundly influenced its economic structure, especially post-1994. The unions were initially aligned with liberation movements and were part of the political fabric that aided democratic transition. However, the relationship has evolved, with unions now often clashing with the government and business sectors in modern economic contexts. This adversarial position stems from a legacy of mistrust and confrontation, significantly impacting economic policies and labor market dynamics.

1.4 Purpose of the Report

This report aims to critically analyze the contemporary state of trade unions in South Africa, exploring their evolution from powerful political entities to organizations facing internal fragmentation and declining membership. It will address the implications of this shift for both workers and the economy while providing insights based on existing literature.

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2. Literature Review

2.1 Types of Trade Unions

Trade unions can be categorized into:

• Craft Unions: Represent workers in a specific skilled trade (e.g., electricians).
• Industrial Unions: Represent all workers within an industry, regardless of skill (e.g., mineworkers).
• General Unions: Represent workers across various sectors and industries.
• Federations: Organizations of unions that represent broader interests nationally or internationally.

2.2 Reasons Workers Join Trade Unions

Workers often join trade unions for several reasons, including:

• Protection of Rights: Unions help protect workers against unfair treatment and exploitation.
• Collective Bargaining: Members gain a stronger voice in negotiating wages and conditions.
• Support and Solidarity: Unions provide a sense of community and support during disputes with management.
• Access to Resources: Unions offer training, legal support, and additional welfare benefits.

2.3 Objectives and Approaches of Trade Unions

The main objectives of trade unions include:

• Improvement of Wages and Benefits: Advocating for competitive salaries and benefits for members.
• Workplace Democracy: Promoting workers' participation in decision-making processes.
• Security: Ensuring job security for members against arbitrary dismissals. To attain these objectives, unions use approaches like collective bargaining, strikes, and political lobbying.

2.4 Application of Patrick Deale's Argument

Patrick Deale argues that the adversarial relationship between unions and management has historically led to a confrontational approach, characterized by militant tactics. This dynamic has resulted in a decline in union efficacy as they face reduced membership and internal fragmentation, failing to adapt to the needs of a modern economy that demands collaboration and innovation rather than conflict.

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3. Core Concepts Definition

1. Collective Bargaining: The process through which unions negotiate contracts with employers regarding wages, hours, and working conditions.
2. Adversarialism: A historical mindset within labor relations that frames the relationship between workers (through unions) and employers as being based on conflict and opposition.
3. Union Fragmentation: The division and decline of union membership, leading to multiple competing unions, which diminishes collective strength and impact.

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4. Research Design and Data-Gathering Strategy

4.1 Technique Used

The research utilized a literature review approach, analyzing existing articles, journals, and relevant reports concerning trade unions in South Africa.

4.2 Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Accessible information from diverse sources.
• Cost-effective and time-efficient.
• The ability to analyze different perspectives and data points.

Disadvantages:

• Potential bias in sources.
• Lack of direct evidence from current union members.
• Possible outdated information due to rapid changes in the labor landscape.

4.3 Experience with the Technique

This technique allowed for a comprehensive understanding of trade unions without logistical challenges associated with fieldwork. However, the reliance on secondary data required careful evaluation of source credibility.

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5. Trade Unions in South Africa

5.1 Union Identification and Analysis

• Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU): Primarily represents workers in various sectors, with approximately 1.8 million members. Focuses on collective bargaining, workers’ rights, and political advocacy, often aligned with the African National Congress (ANC).

• National Union of Mineworkers (NUM): Represents mine workers and has a membership of around 300,000. NUM is notable for its historical activism during apartheid and plays a critical role in negotiating wages and working conditions in the mining sector.

• South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU): An emerging federation competing with COSATU, representing diverse workers. It has around 300,000 members and engages in politically motivated protests and strikes, reflecting a more militant approach to labor rights.

Across these unions, methods to attain their objectives include strikes, political engagement, and leveraging existing legislation to negotiate better terms for their members.

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6. Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, trade unions in South Africa are at a crossroads. Despite their historical significance in combating injustices and advocating for workers, they now face challenges of fragmentation, declining membership, and an ever-changing economic landscape. Members often pursue protracted strikes even with negligible gains due to a deeply entrenched culture of solidarity, a desire for recognition, and the historical memory of struggle against oppression. This culture, coupled with the belief that enduring hardship through strikes can eventually lead to better outcomes, explains why they remain committed to their unions, even when the immediate financial benefits seem limited.

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7. References

• Deale, P. (2022). “Trade unions’ war-like rhetoric out of step with attempts to build a modern SA economy.” [Journal/Publisher].
• [Additional sources used in the literature review].
• [Further articles, books, or journals].

(Note: Ensure that the reference list is aligned with the Harvard Referencing Guide provided in your course material.)