The Two Faces of the Black Trade Union Movement in South Africa

Abstract

In an up-to-date account of the black labour movement in South Africa, Webster argues that the unions have made significant industrial advances in the period since their legal registration. He argues, however, that from the point of view of the state the process of recognition accorded to the collective bargaining system will provide an inadequate means of incorporating black workers without the granting of political rights. As this Is still so far from the reform agenda (particularly, we may add, in the wake of the recent all-white general election), the unions are bound to seek to short-circuit the ‘reform’ process by adding to its industrial face, the face of democratic and representative politics. The author assesses how far the creation of the Congress of South African Trade unions can meet this double role. © 1987, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.