Cosatu must state its position on affirmative action in court - Solidarity

Solidarity today extended an invitation to Cosatu in the Western Cape to state its position on affirmative action in the Cape Town Labour court when the trade union's affirmative action case against the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) resumes in July. Cosatu is an important role-player in the Western Cape and its viewpoint must be heard by the court.

Cosatu Western Cape's standpoint that the national racial demographics cannot be applied in the Western Cape is in conflict with the standpoint of Popcru, a Cosatu-affiliated trade union. During the hearing the court heard on several occasions that Popcru supported the affirmative action plan of the DCS and that the plan had been negotiated with Popcru. Popcru's support is one of the state's strongest arguments in the case.

Cosatu Western Cape's position is also contrary to the way in which the government is implementing affirmative action. The state defended the application of the national racial demographics in the Western Cape for eight days in court during cross-examination.

Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary of Solidarity, said it would send a powerful message if Solidarity and Cosatu agreed in court that the government's approach to affirmative action, namely that the national racial demographics must be reflected in every workplace, even on provincial and regional levels, is irrational and wrong. ‘It would send a clear message that this case is not sowing racial division.'

Statement issued by Dirk Hermann, Deputy General Secretary: Solidarity, May 8 2013

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