Patel brings Numsa back to basics

Cape Town - It was ironic, but it took Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel to bring the Numsa congress back to basics, to the threat for jobs in the digital future.  And he also dealt at length with specific actions and plans that directly affect workers, especially in the metals sector, “the bedrock of industrialisation”.

This after nearly two days where the stress has been political orientation with more than a hint of ideological purity.  ldeological jargon, is, of course, always present at militant union gatherings, with socialism to the forefront, usually accompanied by references to Marxism or Marxism-Leninism, mostly un or ill defined.

But while many union discourses may be peppered with such references, sound union conferences have always been characterised by dealing with the nuts and bolts of union organisation.  Business and government initiatives and actions were analysed and, where necessary, alternatives and actions were proposed.

Given the global economic crisis, it seems particularly pertinent that such details of workplace problems and the future of work be on the table for discussion and debate.  The metalworking, auto and mining sectors, where Numsa is heavily represented, are especially challenged by the so-called fourth industrial revolution.  Automation is a very real and constant threat.

This Patel made patently clear, although his examples about what could be produced by 3D printers and how Artificial Intelligence will probably impact on future lives, caused some expressions of incredulity.  But he dealt with the very issues that should be faced now by organised workers everywhere.

However, Patel’s solution, a social compact between unions, government and business, of unity of the present economic players within the existing system is unlikely to gain much support from a union majority that has defined the system itself as the fundamental problem.