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CWU pulls out of 'nine plus unions'

Johannesburg - The Communications Workers Union (CWU) has pulled out of the group of affiliates calling itself the "nine plus unions" on the basis that it does not want to be "entrenching division".

The decision was taken at the CWU's special national executive committee meeting which was held a day before Cosatu's special national congress, general secretary Aubrey Tshabalala told News24.

"It was the fact that our unity with the nine unions was on the basis that we were calling all for special national congress but also for the reinstatement of Numsa and the GS comrade [Zwelinzima] Vavi."

He said the union also wanted unity and cohesion within Cosatu which has been marred by infighting for almost three years.

"I think the special NEC took all of that into account, we went to the congress very optimistic that when we leave the congress there will be no nine unions... whatsoever there will be one Cosatu.

"There will be no need to talk about unity and cohesion if we are still entrenching division," Tshabalala said.

The CWU has always been a strong supporter of Vavi's, jumping to his defence on many an occasions.

Vavi in turn has thrown his support behind the communication workers' especially during the recent MTN strike. Vavi had even tried to intervene on CWU's behalf with MTN. He addressed striking workers outside the telecommunications company's headquarters in Johannesburg two weeks ago.

However, CWU members are said to be split on their support.

Tshabalala on Wednesday said the union was still in support of Vavi and expelled metalworkers union Numsa being reinstated into the trade union federation.

The nine unions, which called for the Cosatu special national congress, wanted the issue of their reinstatement discussed and to elect new leadership at last week's congress.

However, it was decided that Vavi and Numsa would be able to appeal their expulsions at the ordinary congress in November, where new leaders would also be elected.

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