Moses has been working in the engineering industry for 11 years. For 10 years now he has not been a member of a union. Every time his co-workers have gone on strike to improve their wages, Moses has continued working.
And when they have come back to work by his side, and trade unions have signed new agreements for higher wages and better conditions, Moses has happily clutched at his bigger pay packet at the end of the week. Moses is a ‘free rider’ – but he can ride free no longer!
In terms of an agreement signed with engineering employer body, Seifsa, from January 1, 2003 , all free riders like Moses must pay 1% of their wages as an agency shop fee. This money will be shared proportionally amongst all trade unions organising in the sector.
So if your co-worker is a free rider like Moses – ask them this question: Do they want to pay 1% of their basic wage for nothing in return or do they want to pay 1% of their basic wage to Numsa and get free legal advice, free legal representation if they are dismissed, and a funeral benefit fund that covers them and their dependants.