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.