UASA Media Release: 24 December 2024
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
In South Africa’s shifting workforce, unions face unprecedented challenges and tremendous opportunities. As younger generations, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, enter the job market, unions can evolve, strengthen their purpose, and address the new economic and workplace realities facing today’s youth. This article explores how unions can benefit younger generations and highlights why unions need these younger members to thrive in the years ahead.
Why unions need to adapt to survive
According to the 2022 article: State of the Unions: Are South Africa’s Trade Unions Still Relevant? The percentage of economically active South Africans who belong to a union decreased from 34% in 2016 to only 23% in 2022. Many young, post-1994 workers are sceptical of unions, viewing them as outdated and unresponsive to their needs. Additionally, inter-union rivalry and the rise of non-traditional work arrangements like remote work and freelancing have diminished union membership and revenue.
Employment relations expert and lecturer at Stellenbosch Business School, Gawie Cillié, argues that unions face a critical juncture: they must adapt or risk becoming obsolete. He highlights the need for unions to appeal to younger workers, embrace new technology, and organise employees in the informal sector. These steps would rejuvenate the union movement and provide unions with the resilience they need to thrive.
The Importance of Building Trust with New Generations
UASA Divisional Manager (Specialist Division) Ryan Dalton explains that for sustainability, unions must establish a relationship of trust and confidence with younger workers. These younger generations are entering a world of work shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships and shifting perspectives on traditional work structures. For unions to stay relevant, they must address these realities, by providing a sense of community and support, helping the youth feel protected in a precarious job market, says Dalton.
Addressing youth vulnerability through union membership
Young workers in South Africa are often found in vulnerable employment, defined as work that lacks essential benefits and protections. Vulnerable employment includes “own account” work (self-employed individuals who don’t employ others) and contributing family work (where individuals work in family businesses without formal wages). Both types of employment are associated with low economic security, minimal protections, and high risks.
Union membership offers a potential pathway out of this instability. By negotiating fair wages and benefits, unions can ensure young people have access to the necessary protections. “Unions can push for safer working conditions, job security, health benefits, and other essential rights for young people’s well-being in the workforce,” says Dalton.
Bridging the gap between youth and unions through social media
Dalton trusts that for unions to engage younger generations, they must follow them where they are: on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are vital tools for communicating with young people and building a modern union presence. By sharing success stories, informing youth about their rights, and highlighting the benefits of union membership, unions can create a community that is accessible and appealing to younger generations. A digital-first approach will foster a sense of unity and involvement, helping unions build trust with Gen Z and Gen Alpha in a way that feels relevant and authentic.
Ensuring union sustainability through youth membership
The reality is that unions need young members to survive. According to Cillié, without new blood, unions risk marginalisation or even replacement by alternative forms of worker representation, such as company-led forums that often lack the power of collective bargaining. This would weaken collective action and leave young workers powerless in negotiations over wages, working conditions, and safety.
If nurtured properly, the relationship between unions and the younger workforce could lay the groundwork for a new era of unionism. Unions would benefit from a steady influx of members, while young people would gain the protections they need in a volatile job market. This mutually beneficial relationship could foster renewed unity and purpose, creating a stronger, more resilient labour movement.
UASA: The union for today’s workforce
At UASA, we are committed to addressing the needs of a modern workforce. We understand the unique challenges faced by South Africa’s youth and offer various services tailored to address our members professional and personal needs. UASA is a professional, inclusive union that supports young individuals in achieving fair treatment, equitable pay and suitable workplace support. With UASA, young workers can take that step, knowing they are joining an organisation ready to protect their rights and secure their future.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.