ICTU slams SACTWU over 'selective activism' and urges protection of media jobs
The union argued that ongoing efforts to challenge media companies through prolonged legal and corporate campaigns must be weighed against their potential impact on vulnerable workers and newsroom sustainability.
South Africa commemorates Women's Month as the Information Communication and Technology Union (ICTU) expresses concerns over what it perceives as double standards among organized labor. The ICTU, a SAFTU affiliate, specifically criticized the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) for its involvement in legal matters regarding the Sekunjalo Group and the independent media sector.
ICTU accused SACTWU of selective activism and selective solidarity, particularly when actions against media organizations could jeopardize journalists' jobs and livelihoods. The ICTU highlighted that it frequently finds itself defending workers not only from employers but also from fellow trade unions whose actions might harm employment opportunities.
Furthermore, ICTU noted that SACTWU had ignored previous requests for discussions between trade unions over the legal disputes. The union emphasized that disputes involving workers, companies, and organized labor should be resolved through meaningful dialogue before taking actions that could lead to job losses. ICTU reiterated its call for genuine trade-union-to-trade-union dialogue, stressing that solidarity should manifest in actions that safeguard all workers.
The ICTU stressed that the protection of women's rights is inextricably linked to their economic security, pointing out that female journalists, editors, and other media professionals depend on the media industry's stability. ICTU leadership stressed that defending women's empowerment cannot occur without ensuring the security and sustainability of workplaces that employ women.
ICTU addressed the Sekunjalo Group's situation, noting its commitment to employment and transformation, including the appointment of experienced media executive Melanie Peters to a leadership role. The union commended initiatives like The National and developments within the National Media Group (NMG) as steps to broaden the media landscape.
ICTU argued that in an industry already grappling with restructuring, cost-cutting, and retrenchments, sustaining and expanding operations should take precedence over corporate disputes. Sekunjalo Group CEO Lucien Jacobs previously emphasized the organization's dedication to sustainable journalism, media diversity, and the protection of local employment.
ICTU concluded by reiterating that trade unions bear a fundamental responsibility to protect existing employment, especially considering South Africa's high unemployment rate. The union urged SACTWU and other organized labor formations to engage constructively, preventing disputes from intensifying and negatively impacting workers.
ICTU stated that history will judge the labor movement not merely by what it voices but by its actions when workers require protection. The union pledged to continue advocating for workers and opposing any actions that jeopardize their livelihoods.
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