| National organization(s) | COSATU, FEDUSA, NACTU, CONSAWU, SAFTU |
|---|---|
| Regulatory authority | Department of Labour Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration National Economic Development and Labour Council |
| Primary legislation | Labour Relations Act (1995) |
| Total union membership | 3.11 million[1] |
| Density | 25.3% |
| Global Rights Index | |
2 Repeated violations of rights | |
| International Labour Organization | |
| South African is a member of the ILO | |
| Convention ratification | |
| Freedom of Association | 19 February 1996 |
| Right to Organise | 19 February 1996 |
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.[2] Through the turbulent years of 1948–1991 trade unions played an important part in developing political and economic resistance, and eventually were one of the driving forces in realising the transition to an inclusive democratic government.
Today trade unions are still an important force in South Africa, with 3.11 million members representing 25.3% of the formal work force.[1] The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is the largest of the three major trade union centres, with a membership of 1.8 million, and is part of the Tripartite alliance with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).