Unions talk economy

Political economy and economic policy was, for the first time, part of a short course for trade unions by Rhodes University-based Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (Nalsu).

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

In the '80s and early '90s, union members, particularly shop stewards and officials, attended only seminars on bargaining and how to handle legislative provisions pertaining to strikes and lockouts.

The course was attended by workers from across the country employed in the manufacturing, metal and engineering industries and affiliated to the country's four major labour federations — Cosatu, Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa), National Council of Trade Unions and South African Federation of Trade Unions.