Trade unions

A trade union (also called a labour union) is an organisation of workers that want to achieve common goals for workers in the workplace. The leadership of a trade union negotiates with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labour contracts with employers. This may include:

• The negotiation of wages
• Work rules
• Complaint procedures
• Rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers
• Benefits and
• Workplace safety

COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions), NEHAWU (National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union) and the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers) are well-known trade unions in South Africa.

Employees could pay a small fee to become a member of a trade union and to share in the benefits the union will negotiate on their behalf.