History of the formation of the South African Liberation Workers Union
The idea of forming this trade union gained its relevance and momentum after workers who are employed in various companies in Lephalale and those who were former members of trade unions were disgruntled by the service rendered by their trade unions.
Those who are employed are subjected to unpalatable and harsh working conditions whilst they are members of trade unions and, some of the former members were disgruntled by the manner in which their trade unions misled them, resulting them embarking on illegal strikes that ultimately led to their dismissals and the unions inability to represent them on matters of unfair labour practice, unfair dismissals and unsafe working environment.
Our founder member, comrade Stephen Resky, who by then was an official of another Union which was operating in Lephalale who, together with other worker leaders who were disgruntled by the poor service rendered by their unions, met early in 2019 and decided to form a trade union.
The formation of this Union is based on their experience that exploitation of workers does not have a sector, whether private or public sector it is the same. Their decision is also informed by the fact that united workers can fight their battles in a more cohesive and collective manner.
The situation prevailing in Lephalale also make it difficult for members of unions because some of the unions do not have offices in this area and they are unable to get the necessary service when it is required.
We also realise that most of the trade unions, nationally are still hooked up on political ideologies which make them to act individually on matters that need their collective action.
You still have unions that subscribe to non-racialism and those that subscribe to Africanism or Black Consciousness. It is our view that these political ideologies have nothing to do with the struggles of the workers as exploitation have no political boundaries. The government of the people elected in 1994 has since ushered in new labour legislations which gives protection to all workers irrespective of race, colour or creed.
The other problem that ends up compromising workers is the alliance with political parties that divides the members based on political affiliations and their needs are compromised in the process. Some of the unions’ leadership uses their unions as stepladders to pave their way into parliament in the expense of the members.
It is was and still our belief that a vehicle that is appropriate in realisation of the workers’ needs, is a trade union that is selflessly committed to the course of the working people, that is always there to give unambiguous attention to the needs of its members and that is always prepared to fight bitter struggles for the victory of its members and the working people in general.
Informed by these noble goals, we then decided to name the Union “South African Liberation Workers Union (SALWU)” this in our view, is consistent with our vision, aims and objectives. Our efforts to register the Union with the Department of Labour late in 2019 failed because application did not meet certain requirements as per the relevant provisions of Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995.
We wish to thank the officials of the Department of Labour for their stewardship in patiently guiding us on how we should comply with the relevant provisions of the Act.
Our vision is to recruit all workers in South Africa, unorganised and those who are organised, who share our vision, aims and objectives, into this Union for the victory of the workers against exploitation by their bosses and a total emancipation from the economic bondage.
The Union’s fundamental goal is to secure full and permanent employment for our members and the working people of this country, to negotiate better working conditions and living wage for our members, to ensure safe and healthy working environment at all workplaces and, to play a significant role in improving socio-economic conditions of our members and the communities by engaging with the government of day on issues that affects them.
03 Hendrick Street
LEPHALALE
0555
076 527 3641
admin@salwu.org
