Is COSATU even a valuable entity?
Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 11:34A trade union is, according to Wikipedia, “an organisation of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals in key areas such as wages, hours, and working conditions, forming a cartel of labor”.
And therein lies the problem. A trade union is a gang. A really big one.
COSATU, driven by 2-million members and socio-communist ideologies, is already far too powerful in its position in the government. Couple that with the hefty presence of the South African Communist Party, and the result is an aggressive attack on the free market.
Trade unions - which are, quite frankly, only interested in their insiders - do little for a country’s economy, other than increasing taxes and regulations, damaging private ownership, hampering general productivity, and dancing in the streets when they’re unhappy. Which is always.
Historically, they have never actually benefitted society in the long run.
If anything, COSATU’s continuous push for an unbalanced market equilibrium does not advance fiscal growth and overall employment. It just forces an increase in inflation and more job losses.
I don’t see any value in trade unions. I don’t see any value in COSATU.
Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 13:20
I think that trade unions do have a purpose. The fact that COSATU goes off about the slightest grievance is ridiculous, but for the most part it does help to have a group behind you when the shit hits the fan.
Trade unions exists to prevent bigwigs from taking advantage of the common worker, it’s an important function. It should not, however, be abused.
Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 16:10
Judy, trade unions in this country are all just a load of wankers out to cause uneccessary shit , with absolutelyno positive goal except to cripple companies , and in doing so, they screw up the economy.
Thursday, 7 August 2008, at 21:14
All trade unions? Do you know that with absolute certainty? There are some people that don’t have trade unions that actually need them; as in ones that actually function properly. Let’s face it, if everything was always absolutely fair in any work-related situation, there wouldn’t be a need for trade unions, thus they do have a purpose.
I don’t like the idea of striking because it does cripple the economy. Some people are always eager to strike and I don’t agree with that, but there are times when a “go-slow” or even a strike may be necessary for stingy bastards to realise (or be forced to co-operate) that the demands of the workers should at least be given proper consideration.
Friday, 8 August 2008, at 07:14
Judy, where in the world have trade unions ever contributed positively to the long term well being of a country and thus it’s citizens? Britain? Oops - no, almost brought the country to its knees. USA? - oops no, not their either. Germy, France, Italy (the mafia took that one over quickly), the old east block? - oops, not there other. Where?
Friday, 8 August 2008, at 10:52
COSATU is a freaking racist organisation. They don’t give a rats arse about whites. I mean, when that white teenager murdered all those black people, the first people to fucking march was COSATU, instigating racism when the guy was just crazy. And, I mean, how many whites have been murdered by blacks? Especially on the farms! Where are COSATU then. No, these people are racist, communist pigs!
Friday, 8 August 2008, at 14:20
@ Patrick - Yeah, yeah, yeah ……………. but let’s look at the bigger picture.
Cosatu is in league with Government, but Government is in league with Criminals ……. and they say capitalistic communistic criminality doesn’t pay!!!!!
Saturday, 9 August 2008, at 14:51
its one thing having unions, and even to have marches, etc..
but when these turn into violent mobs, vandalising property…
then no, they do not play a positive role at all.
Monday, 11 August 2008, at 11:16
Jeremy I liked this so much I stumbled it
Tuesday, 12 August 2008, at 10:30
Patrick Patrick.. as a white man you are supposed to be clever.. FF+ is racist too.. you should not by now that is SA you stick to your own kind.. You saying the white guy who killed all those blacks was crazy.. even those blacks who kill farmers are crazy..
Tuesday, 12 August 2008, at 10:51
You liked what?
Tuesday, 12 August 2008, at 13:52
so there is always an excuse when white commit crime.. they are said to be mentally disturbed.. its time the law that showing zero tolerance to these racists.. starting with the so-called Waterkloof 4..
Tuesday, 12 August 2008, at 14:08
Today’s Sowetan Editorial agrees Swart_Sak - The Waterkloof 4 have abused the legal system in the same way as Zuma. Taking eight years to allow justice to take its course with endless appeals within appeals and cases within cases is a failure of our Nation
Thursday, 14 August 2008, at 19:36
Absolutely Grey! They are where they should be - may justice really prevail now.
Thursday, 21 August 2008, at 10:36
Screw this government. This country will sooner or later fall apart! The apartheid regime managed to keep things going ok. Now the fucking ANC will fuck it all up!