The Effects of Unity of Rival Unions in Advancing the Interests of Workers in the Workplace: A South African Perspective

Abstract Competition for membership has been a burning issue in many workplaces. This has resulted in the death of employees as different unions pull in different directions instead of pulling together to advance the interests of workers. It now seems that unions have realised that fighting among each other yields no benefit for themselves and their members. In South Africa, unions have come to their senses by uniting their resources and activities when dealing with employers. An example of this is the strike that took place in 2022 against Sibanye Stillwater Gold where the Association of Mine and Construction Union and National Union of Mine Workers went on a strike together demanding an R1000.00 increase in salaries. Although the unions did not get the R1000.00 increase per month they demanded, the strike was successful because few or no workers reported for duty during the strike. As no production took place because most workers were on strike, the employer felt the economic harm that the striking workers and their unions wanted to impose. In the same year (August 2022), the South African Federation of Trade Unions and the Congress of South African Trade Unions marched together in protest against increases in the cost of living, which included increased food prices, the rising cost of fuel, and other socio-economic issues. This article investigates whether the change in approach to dealing with issues affecting workers will improve their lives and expedite the settlement of disputes.