Find Trade Union expertise in South Africa

South Africa’s labour market and industrial relationship policies have been strongly influenced by the very active body of trade unions. Its role in assisting to overturn apartheid legislation and policies has been crucial. The Labour Relations Act gives workers and unions a steady footing to address the relevant concerns of their members. Most sectors that contribute to the economy now have some form of trade union representation. Healthy debate on socio-economic and labour-related issues and policies are undertaken during the meeting of the statutory National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). The most influential players include the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa), and the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu), the largest being Cosatu with a membership of about 1.8 million workers (2009).