ANA reports that the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) on Friday rejected reports linking it to a yet-to-be established federation of trade unions, saying such an association would be an “ill-conceived formation”.  

The union instead reaffirmed its affiliation, and pledged allegiance, to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).  A new trade union federation led by expelled Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi would, according to recent reports, be launched in Tembisa, Johannesburg, on Workers Day, 1 May.  Samwu was named as one of unions set to join the new federation.  Samwu’s general secretary, Simon Mathe, rejected the claim saying:  “Samwu has congress resolutions which have confirmed, affirmed and reaffirmed our affiliation to Cosatu.  Ours is a historical relationship with Cosatu politically and ideologically”.  

According to reports, the launch of the new federation would be preceded by a workers’ summit to be held in Boksburg on 30 April, where it was expected that delegates representing 40 unions would come up with the name, colours and constitution of the federation.

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