Claims of being a bona fide trade union have proven to be factually incorrect, following investigations revealing that SAMCCWU is not registered in terms of the Labour Relations Act. FEDUSA’s affiliated union, UASA - "The Union, plays a critical role in this area through the South African Guild of Actors to ensure decent opportunities for actors in the entertainment industry through meaningful dialogue," emphasised Dennis George, FEDUSA General Secretary. "Moreover, the entertainment industry participants act as independent contractors," added George.
The National Development Plan (NDP) sets the long-term nation building goals of fostering Constitutional values and the promotion of active citizenry. Hence, FEDUSA believes that social cohesion will further contribute to the ideals of the social compact by strengthening equity, social inclusion and working towards prosperity for all.
FEDUSA therefore appeals to the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to exercise restraint in this matter and engage meaningfully within the parameters of the Labour Relations Act, where social dialogue with registered unions and federations forms the basis of progressive deliberations and industry development. FEDUSA believes that engagements with organisations that misrepresent and mislead information to the general public, could do more harm than good to both the Ministry as well as the entertainment industry, said George.
By way of legislation, trade unions have to be registered with the Registrar of Labour Relations and are accountable to their members. Compliance with mandates, procedural matters and audited financials, amongst others, remains the guiding factors for sound operational and sustainable practices, emphasised George.
FEDUSA denounces inaccurate and misconstrued conveyance of information via print and electronic media to the general public and demands swift action from Minister Mthethwa, compelling an urgent review and rectification of the matter at hand. "Organisations that lack real structure such as a constitution and a paid up membership base, do untold harm to the entertainment industry when they pretend to speak on behalf of an organisation that, in fact, does not exist," concluded George.
