Interpretation+of+the+Workers+Survey+for+COSATU

COSATU Media Statement, September 4, 2006
=Interpretation of the Workers’ Survey for COSATU=

In light of rather confusing media reports about the Workers’ Survey for COSATU, the Congress of South African Trade Unions would like to set the record straight.

The main area of confusion appears to be the reporting on COSATU campaigns. It is important to note:

> 1. The survey was designed principally to understand long-term, systemic organisational trends. For this reason, the political questions should be treated with caution. In particular, they record the situation as of a year ago.

> 2. In that context, the question on campaigns was intended to get a sense of overall awareness of and support for COSATU campaigns. The findings suggest that we could do more to communicate our campaigns, particularly to non-members, but that for all campaigns there is overwhelming support amongst workers who know about them.

> 3. There are substantial racial differences on many questions, including amongst COSATU members. This obviously reflects differences in both history and in the nature of employment, which still largely coincide with race. In particular:

>> a. Africans constitute 72% of COSATU members, Coloureds and Asians 21%, and whites 7%. In the sample overall, Africans make up 63%, Coloureds and Asians 20%, and whites 18%, which reflects the over-representation of whites in the formal labour force.

>> b. While 63% of all COSATU members who knew about the campaign in support of Comrade Jacob Zuma agreed with it, significant racial differences emerged. In COSATU alone, 73% of African members, 23% of Coloured and Asian members, and 10% of white members supported the campaign. Amongst other workers, 66% of Africans, 12% of Coloureds and Asians, and 3% of whites supported the campaign.


 * Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)**
 * Congress of South African Trade Unions**
 * 1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets**
 * Braamfontein, 2017**


 * P.O.Box 1019**
 * Johannesburg, 2000**
 * SOUTH AFRICA**


 * Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24**
 * Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667**
 * Cell: 0828217456**
 * E-Mail: patrick@cosatu.org.za**

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