The UASA is a
general union
A general union is a trade union (called ''labor union'' in American English) which represents workers from all industries and companies, rather than just one organisation or a particular sector, as in a craft union or industrial union. A gene ...
in
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...
.
Background
The union was founded on 1 April 1998, when the
merged with the
Underground Officials' Association. It affiliated to the
Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA). It was initially named the United Association of South Africa, and while its membership was focused in mining, it accepted workers in all industries. This allowed it to absorb the Hairdressers' and Cosmetologists' Trade Unions in 2000, followed by the South African Diamond Workers' Union, and the Staff Association for the Motor and Related Industries, both in 2001.
In 2002, the union absorbed
SALSTAFF, and this took its membership to 65,000, making it easily FEDUSA's largest affiliate. In April 2003, the union absorbed the
National Employees' Trade Union. Membership peaked at 110,000 in 2004, and has since slowly declined, in line with employment in the mining industry.
UASA is registered at the Department of Labour as a trade union in accordance with the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as amended in 2002. It has a membership of approximately 75,000 and is affiliated with the
Federation of Unions of South Africa
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is the second largest national trade union center in South Africa.
History
The federation was founded on 1 April 1997, when the Federation of South African Labour Unions merged with the Feder ...
(FEDUSA) which represents approximately 556,000 members.
UASA also plays an important role in the international labour arena, joining hands with various international federations that promote global solidarity among workers of the world in their struggle against the negative effects of globalisation. Through its affiliation with IndustriALL, ITF and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), UASA has active representation at various international forums.
File:UASA Office Park.jpg, UASA's headquarters in Florida, Johannesburg
Affiliates
UASA is affiliated wit
www.fedusa.org.za
The
South African Guild of Actors is also affiliated with UASA.
See also
*
Trade unions in South Africa
Trade unions in South Africa has a history dating back to the 1880s. From the beginning unions could be viewed as a reflection of the racial disunity of the country, with the earliest unions being predominantly for white workers. Through the tu ...
References
__FORCETOC__
Federation of Unions of South Africa
International Trade Union Confederation
Trade unions based in Johannesburg
Trade unions established in 1998
Trade unions in South Africa
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