A Case Study of Young People in the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU)
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View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Wits Institutional Repository on DSPACE ‘Unions are for Older People’1: A Case Study of Young People in the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology-Labour Policies and Globalisation (by course work) 2009 Supervised by: Dr. Bridget Kenny and Prishani Naidoo Freda S. Frimpong Number: 334136 1 Said by one non-unionised young worker interviewed, 14/8/2009, Soweto Abstract Evidence from literature on youth and trade unions suggests mixed perception of the youth towards trade unions. On one hand, the youth is said to perceive unions positively, thus see unions as relevant in improving their employment conditions. On the other hand, the youth is said to have negative perception towards trade unions. Consequently, it has been argued that there is apathy among young workers in terms of identification with unions. This study thus aimed at contributing to this discourse by exploring the attitudes and perceptions of young people (between the ages of 18 to 35 years) towards trade unionism. Qualitative technique was used to collect data through in-depth interviews and Focused Group Discussions with 28 young workers working at where the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) organises. The findings of this study indicate that the issue of young workers’ apathy towards trade unionism is complex. Majority of the participants had positive perceptions toward the union and saw the union as useful in addressing their workplace issues. Hence, the generally held view that the youth predominantly have negative perceptions toward trade unions is exaggerated. This is because young workers are also mindful of workplace protection and believe that trade unions can offer them protection. This notwithstanding, the findings also shows some frustration and apathy among young workers, generated by ignorance of unionism due to lack of information and unfavourable working hours. ii Declaration I declare that this research report is my own unaided work. It is submitted for the degree of Master of Arts in Industrial Sociology-Labour Policies and Globalisation at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any other degree or examination in any other University. ___________ this day of ____ 20____ Freda S. Frimpong ______________ iii Dedication To God Almighty who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This work is also dedicated to my wonderful and special family, most especially my father, Mr. J. O. Frimpong who through thick and thin supported me to make this dream a reality. iv Acknowledgements “Two heads are better than one” as the saying goes. I would not have been able to complete this project without the support of others. I am greatly thankful to individuals and institutions that assisted me in diverse ways to complete this research project. Most notably the invaluable supervision and mentoring of my supervisors, Dr Bridget Kenny and Prishani Naidoo. I greatly appreciate their support and encouragement throughout the research process. I am grateful to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the other Global Labour University partners whose sponsorship was very crucial for my participation in this programme. This has made a dream come true and exposed me to a different level of intellectual thinking. I extend my gratitude to all the members of GLU steering Committee, the lecturers, Professor Edward Webster, Dr. Leo Zeilig, Dr. Seeraj Mohamed, the GLU co-ordinators, Mandy, Christine, Zahn and Faith and all the staff at the Sociology Department and Sociology of Work Unit (SWOP) for their assistance. My gratitude also goes to Mr. Kofi Asamoah and Dr Yaw A. Baah, Secretary- General and Deputy respectively who granted me study leave to participate in v this programme. My heartfelt appreciation goes to Bro. W. Jerry Addo, my former boss, who discovered me and always mentored me like a real father and for giving me the inspiration to add value to myself. I also thank all my colleagues in the Ghana Trades Union Congress, particularly TUC and PUWU staff for the support and for believing in me. Special mention of the following comrades and best friends, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, Emilia Gansah, Franklin Owusu-Ansah, Edward Kareweh, Wilfred Frimpong, Herman and Asantewaa Parry, for inspiring me to pursue this course. I thank Linda Adjei and Suzan Naa Sekyere for editing this report. This research would not have been possible without the support of the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU) who have been gracious enough to open their offices to me. Special mention is made of comrade Patricia Nyman-Appolis who facilitated this whole project, getting access to the people, information and personal orientation. I am very grateful to you comrade because you made things simple for me when things were tough. I extend my profound gratitude to my friends at Wits, Solomon Narh-Bana, Alhaji Ahmed Sidick, Richard Afedi and Udeme Ekrikpo who have been there for me and offered me encouragement and their research expertise to make this work a success. vi A big thank you to my Dad, Mr. J. O. Frimpong, my sisters and all members of my family for encouraging me during difficult times. Many thanks to my course mates, GLU 2009, particularly, Edwin Anisha for your immense contribution to this project. Above all, I give my profound gratitude to God Almighty who has been my refuge in most challenging moments throughout the course. vii Table of Contents Declaration .............................................................................................................................. iii Dedication ................................................................................................................................ iv Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. v Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. viii List of Tables and Figures ...................................................................................................... xi Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................ xii CHAPTER ONE ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Aim of the Study ......................................................................................................................... 5 1.2.1 Specific Objectives ................................................................................................................. 6 1.3 Relevance of the Study .............................................................................................................. 7 1.4 Justification of the study ............................................................................................................ 8 CHAPTER TWO ...................................................................................................................... 12 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ................................................ 12 2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................12 2.1.1 Definitions of Youth and Young Workers ...........................................................12 2.1.2 Youth Identity and Culture in South Africa .........................................................16 2.1.3 Working Conditions of Young People and Marginalisation by Trade Unions .21 2.1.4 Legal Framework Governing South African Retail Workers .............................28 2.1.5 Unionisation among young workers in the Retail/Fast Food Sector ................31 2.1.6 Organising Strategies for Unions ........................................................................34 2.1.7 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................41 2.2 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................................43 2.2.1 Power & Recognition .............................................................................................................46 2.2.2 Organising ..............................................................................................................................46 2.2.3. Empowerment & Opportunities ............................................................................................48 2.2.4 Institutionalised ......................................................................................................................48 2.2.5. Conclusion .............................................................................................................................49 CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................................