News

Young people representing 47 unions from 33 countries gathered in Cape Town, South Africa from 18-20 October 2016 as part of the UNI Youth World Conference and Global Organising Forum.

These young trade unionist activists joined Sasbo in organising the young and vulnerable Capitec Bank employees in parts of the Western Cape and in particular the BSE Building, Bellville, where almost 1,500 Capitec workers are based.

Sasbo - the finance Union, representing more than 70 000 finance sector employees nationally, is currently organising Capitec Bank employees. Sasbo’s aim is to ensure that Capitec0s workers have a recognised collective voice able to negotiate for better working conditions, and improved salaries and benefits. The overarching aim is to ensure fairness and justice in the workplace.

There have been widespread reports that workers are afraid of exercising their right to join Sasbo, because of fear of victimisation. The UNI Global Youth recognised “that the violation of trade union rights hinders unions from organising young workers” and pledged their support and solidarity to the young workers of Capitec Bank. Their message to the young workers of Capitec Bank is to stand up for their rights, as they have done so in their own countries and not to give up. Today’s field exercise was a clear symbol of international workers’ solidarity and provided a rare opportunity for Capitec workers to be in the company of young worker activists from all over the world.

The message is clear: Sasbo, supported by the Global Labour movement is committed to improving the lives of Capitec employees and finance sector workers generally!

Contact:

Sasbo: Myan Soobramoney National Secretary, Tel  0027 (0)11 467 0192

Cell 0027 (0)84 505 1904