It has also pledged to offer workers an alternative voice and representation that is independent of political influence and association.
THE NEWLY-launched Public Service and Commercial Union of South Africa has vowed to fight and stem racial profiling and ensure real equality in the banking sector.
It has also pledged to offer workers an alternative voice and representation that is independent of political influence and association.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, Tshwane, the union was founded to represent “under-siege” workers in the banking industry and public servants in various government departments and state-owned enterprises.
General secretary Tahir Maepa, an experienced union stalwart, said they were inspired by the support of senior public servants in executive positions, who believe they have finally found an independent union with which they can affiliate themselves.
He said these workers were under siege from political influence, which impeded their ability to execute their tasks. He added that they were at the mercy of a few who disregarded their oath or promise to serve the people.
“Our niche will also include the banking industry because the banks have been shedding jobs for far too long, but the unions there have not done anything of significance to prevent that,” said Maepa.
“We also want to confront and put an end to this racial profiling that has been popping up in the banking industry for far too long without proper intervention. We want to influence policy in that regard and achieve real and proper equality.”
He said that although they had just launched, the feedback had been encouraging, given that they are set to start a recruitment campaign in 2022, starting in Gauteng and spreading to other parts of the country.
“To be honest, it will not be hard to convince workers to join our union because the unions at play have already made the work easier for us. They have already shown that they do not serve the people. I think everybody knows Cosatu is loyal to the ANC-led government.”
Maepa said the unions had failed to recognise that fighting for job security meant looking beyond negotiations about wages, bonuses and benefits, but advocating against corruption and maladministration.
