Unions offer great support and networking opportunities for young labour market entrants. Shop stewards can alert you to potential job opportunities at the companies they work at.

Registered learners, apprentices and interns should join unions in order to ensure adequate support during their contracts.  Unions have a responsibility towards you that they have long neglected.

Approach a union and request a student membership.

You shouldn’t only meet a union when you have a problem,  participate in sector employment issues the same as other workers so that a fair economic environment can be created for everyone.

If the union you wish to join doesn’t have a fee to accommodate you – give them a reason to get one started! It is only through collective bargaining and action that all employees can ensure that ALL rights are defended. The more people they have in their ranks – the better for everyone.

In addition, unions are a great opportunity for young labour market entrants to connect with mentors who can alert them to potential job opportunities at companies represented within the union. They will also warn you against businesses that are a problem.

Unions

• Confederation of South African Workers’ Unions
  • Solidarity
• Congress of South African Trade Unions
  • Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union
  • Communication Workers Union (South Africa)
  • Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa
  • Food and Allied Workers Union
  • Musicians Union of South Africa
  • National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union
  • National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa
  • National Union of Mineworkers (South Africa)
  • Performing Arts Workers’ Equity
  • Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union
  • SASBO – The Finance Union
  • South African Agricultural Plantation and Allied Workers Union
  • South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union
  • South African Democratic Nurses’ Union
  • South African Democratic Teachers Union
  • South African Football Players Union
  • South African Medical Association
  • South African Municipal Workers’ Union
  • South African State and Allied Workers’ Union
  • South African Transport and Allied Workers Union
  • Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union
• Federation of Unions of South Africa
  • Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa
  • Independent Municipal & Allied Trade Union
  • Public Servants Association of South Africa
  • United Association of South Africa
• National Council of Trade Unions
  • Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union
• National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa