A DATE has finally been set for the launch of a new labour federation.
“We will never, never, ever be in alliance with any political party,” promised the federation’s convener, Zwelinzima Vavi, at a media briefing in Joburg yesterday.
“Everyone must hold on to their seat belts. We are going to be a fighting, militant union.”
The federation will be launched in March.
He said it was up to the workers to decide on the name of the federation, its colours and logo. Voting for the name started yesterday and will continue until 17 March.
“Workers have suffered long enough and mostly in silence. That is about to come to an end. Workers will mobilise to liberate themselves.”
Vavi said the federation’s steering committee was determined to show in practice that there were alternative ways to represent the interests of workers.
He said some of the programmes they would start today included sending a delegation to submit a section 77 notice to the National Economic Development and Labour Council. He said if the council didn’t agree, workers would go on strike.
“We are planning to protest outside the Union Buildings on 9 February when President Jacob Zuma delivers his State of the Nation address.
“We will also organise a human chain around the Joburg Stock Exchange from the end of January and will target gatherings of white monopoly capital.”
