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Numsa plans special congress

Johannesburg - The National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) plans to force the holding of a special congress of Cosatu unions in order to resolve the bitter feud that has continues to rage within the labour federation. 

The Cosatu executive is constitutionally bound to call such a congress, but if it does not, Numsa, with the probably support of eight allied unions, will take the matter to court.

Numsa genera secretary Irvin Jim admits that the union is reluctant to take the matter to court.

But even without a court decision, the dissident unions could call what Jim has referred to as a "workers' summit" that would, in effect, be a special congress to which all Cosatu unions would be invited. 

This call for democratic decision making, in line with the Cosatu constitution, would put the current majority of the federation's executive on the back foot:  they would effectively expel themselves by not agreeing to attend and could then be accused of splitting the federation.

Court action

Contrary to several media reports, Numsa has not made any decision about splitting from Cosatu or forming a "workers' party". 

At its central committee meeting next month details will be discussed about the way forward for both the union and its allies and these will include the possibility of court action.  

Numsa is already committed to opening up discussions with community groups and other organisations with the idea of establishing some form of united front that may or may not become a political party. 

Jim has also proposed that the ideas of various socialists be canvassed and conveyed to the union's membership.
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