Mzansi speaks: EFF union will shake things up - pics

The EFF Labour Union is long overdue.

This was said by some workers in Tshwane after the leader of the red berets, Julius Malema, announced that his party plans to start its own labour union.

Malema was addressing EFF supporters in Middelburg, Mpumalanga on Sunday, 1 May.

He said the existing unions have taken the side of the employer and as a result there’s a vacuum.

He said they have a Labour Desk because they’re preparing to have a union.

“The EFF Labour Union is inevitable,” he said.

Malema said his party’s Labour Union could overtake the long standing Congress of South African Trade Unions.

His plans to have a union was welcomed by many people, most of whom thought it would shake the existing labour unions.

Speaking to Daily Sun Grace Maluleke (59) said although she wasn’t a member of the EFF, she believes the labour union would shake things up.

Grace Maluleke (59) of Jeffsville in Atteridgeville says EFF knows the struggle of the people and by forming a Union is a good idea. Photo by Raymond Morare

She said the current unions were failing in their mandates, which was to protect workers.

“This is what we need. Maybe it will help to show other unions what they need to be or what they need to do for their workers,” she said.

Gladys Maripa (51) said the union would be helpful especially for the young people, since the EFF has been working for the youth.

Gladys Maripa (51) says young people are unemployed, EFF understand them and by forming a Union is a good idea. Photo by Raymond Morare

“Our young people are being mistreated at work because there’s no one bold enough to stand up for them,” she said.

Apheous Masela (26) said this would be great for them because they know that contracts would be a thing of the past, especially in government positions.

He said he has been a contract worker for more than two years at the City of Tshwane and he has seen the EFF fight for them to be insourced.

“Maybe if they succeed in having a union, they will be able to pass on their mandate to have us hired permanently,” he said.

Apheous Masela (26) of Jeffsville in Atteridgevillle says he supports the EFF initiative to start a new 2orkers Union. Photo by Raymond Morare

But on social media, some people were not too excited about the EFF Labour Union.

On Twitter, Haggies said: “So you want to run the country, own mines and represent the workers as their union? Conflict of interest would be a massive understatement.”

@LabaiMajor said: “A union for foreigners because many EFF members are unemployed.”