In an unexpected move the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has requested a meeting with its rival, Cosatu, to discuss "issues of common interest". The organisations have been at odds since the emergence of Saftu under the leadership of former Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. Cosatu’s largest affiliate, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), also broke ranks to become the backbone of the new federation. Most recently the two have been involved in a public row over the "exclusion" of Saftu from the National Executive Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), where the national minimum wage bill, which Saftu protested against in a national strike, was drafted. Saftu’s lack of presence at Nedlac has robbed it of an opportunity to take part in formulating labour-market policy. Business Day understands the meeting requests came after informal talks between leaders of some Cosatu affiliates and those of Numsa. Sources said the meeting request was discusse...
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