Numsa has been called a general union by the working public. In Cosatu Congresses, and other constitutional structures, Numsa is attacked for poaching members from other unions. But on the ground, facts tell a different story.
Recently a Numsa shop steward visited Somerset East. He was approached by supermarket employees who had been dumped by their Union .
The shop steward had to assist them. "Members on the ground have the right to cast a vote of no confidence in their union if they don't get service," says VW shop steward, Sidima Nolutshungu. "It is Numsa's obligation to represent those workers who don't get service from other Cosatu affiliates.
The safety of members on the ground must be guaranteed." The federation must draw up a programme of action to strengthen its locals. It must also offer assistance to affiliates and visit them on a regular basis.
And it must listen to the general membership on the ground so as to know what is happening to its affiliates. That will strengthen the federation and the membership will then grow more and more.
Source
Numsa News