New union to take over majority in R’fontein?
SAICWU has already taken over as majority union in various companies.
A new workers union has emerged in Randfontein who have already taken the majority in big Randfontein companies.
The South African Industrial, Commercial and Allied Workers Union (SAICWU) calls out and seeks to replace unions such as the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).
SAICWU is the brainchild of Simon Rendani Munyai who has his roots in the National Union of Mine Workers (NUM). He went on to become NUM secretary in Gauteng. The union’s president and general secretary is Master Makwala.
The union is not aligned to any political party, however, it does not mean SAICWU is apolitical.
Because the party also seeks to campaign on issues outside of work life, the union sees the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as currently being the only party representing the interest of the working class, the poor and the black majority.
The union also refers to itself as independent, militant and socialist, drawing from ideologies rooted in Marxist and Leninist methodology.
Regarding other political parties, the union goes against anti-worker, anti-working class and neo-liberal policies driven by any party.
Their feelings on the ruling party is that the African National Congress (ANC) is no longer a pro-poor, pro-worker and an anti-imperialist liberation movement.
Closer to home, in Randfontein, the SAICWU has already gained the majority in a number of big companies in Randfontein including Nola (now known as RCL Foods), Man-Dirk, Friendship Haven and more.
The union said it is on the verge of taking over as majority union in companies such as Delmas, SA Oil, Albany, Busmark and Denny’s Mushrooms.
On other unions, SAICWU calls out SAMWU and said it is failing dismally to defend and deliver to its members.
The unions demands so far a decent minimum wage in every company they organise.
We demand R6 500 in the manufacturing sector and R4 500 in the retail sector.
“According to Stats SA, half of the South African working people are earning between R2 800 and R3 000. This is called poverty wages and resulted in having poor workers,” Munyai said.
They argue these figures as a result of ever-increasing cost of living and say workers’ basic food basket increased by nine percent. SAICWU is also an affiliate to a new workers federation that will officially be launched by April, 2017.
“The struggle against social injustice, poverty and deprivation can only be won through mass mobilisation and a united front, dedicated to put an end to the capitalist honeymoon that we have been experiencing since 1994,” Munyai said.
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