MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS HELD ON WEDNESDAY, THE 13TH APRIL, 1955, AT 63 PROGRESS BUILDINGS, 156 COMMISSIONER STREET, JOHANNESBURG,

AT 5 .25 P.M. __________ _

r

PRESENT: CHAIRMANSECRETARY

P. BEYLEVELD L. MASINA.

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS: M* WILLIAMS SHOPE A. MAHLANGU LEON LEVY C. SIBANDE L. MVUBELO.

VISITORS : K .N . ,SEJAKE J. LEKEBA.

Apologies were received and accepted from Comrade 0. Olsaon.

1, MINUTES:

The Chairman read the Minutes of the meeting of the 23rd March, 1955 and on a motion of Comrade A. Mahlangu, seconded by Comrade M, Shope it was agreed:

"THAT the minutes of the above meeting are «orrec% and be adopted.'1

2. MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES:

(a) Typiste: Comrade L, Masina told the Committee that he hadInterviewed a typiste who agreed to work for the

South African Congress of Trade Unions, but now has been in ­formed that this typiste is unable to accept the position.

On a motion of Comrade L, Levy, seconded by Comrade M.Shope it was agreed:

’'THAT the Secretary should write to all affiliated Trade Unions to ask their members to make application for the position of Manager/Typiste and that he should also phone these Unions about this matter as it is very urgent. It was also suggested that the Secretary interview all appli­cants _op--a particular day."

(b) Office : Comrade L. Levy gave a report about the office and statedthat he together with the Secretary inspected a number of

offices which appeared to be suitable for our purposes, however, it was difficult to decide as it was not known how much Congress was prepared to pay as rental.

On a motion of Comrade M. Shope, seconded by Comrade C. Sibande it was agreed:

’’THAT the question of an office be left to the Secretary who should endeavour to obtain an inexpensive one .”

3. CORRESPONDENCE:

A letter from the Clerk of the House of Assembly in connection with the Industrial Conciliation Eill was read and noted.

A letter from Miss Joyce Wood applying for position of typiste for Congress was read and noted.

A letter from the South African Federation of Trade Unions was read and noted.

Letters from the Congress of the People were read and noted.

Page 2 /

Copies of the letters to members of the National Executive Committee in Port Elizabeth asking them to represent our Congress at the Conference called by the African National Congress on the Bantu Education Act were read and noted.

On a motion of A. Mahlangu, seconded by Comrade L. Levy the action of the Secretary and Chairman was endorsed by the Committee.

AFFILIATION:

The Committee agreed that another circular letter be sent to all Unions to affiliate and that members of the National Execu­tive Committee should be instructed to canvass Trade Unions to affiliate to Congress.

PL A M ING COMMITTEE:

Comrade L . Levy gave a report on the Planning Committee.On a motion of Comrade A. Mahlangu, seconded by Comrade M. Shope it was agreed:

"THAT the principles embodied in the draft plan which deals with assisting the most important industries like Engineering, Stevedoring and Transport, be accepted."

It was further agreed that Congress issue a bulletin immediately.

MAY DAY:

ihe Committee agreed that a leaflet be prepared for May Day.

LOCAL COMMITTEE:

Comrade L . Masina informed the Committee that a meeting has been cabled for the 24th April, 1955, at the Trades Hall for

affiliated Trade Unions in Johannesburg so as to form the Local Committee of the South African Congress of Trade Unions.

MEETING OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

On a motion of Comrade L . Levy, seconded by Comrade L. Nvubelo it was agreed:

"THAT a meeting of the National Executive Committee be convened in Johannesburg on the 27th June, 1 9 5 * .'1

ViiOHLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS:

On a motion of Comrade L, Nvubelo, seconded by Comrade C. Sibande it was agreed:

"THAT the South African Congress of Trade Unions shomld affiliate to the World Federation of Trade Unions and that the Secretary should enquire about the affiliation fees

GENERAL:

The Committee agreed that Comrade L. Levy represent the South African Congress of Trade Unions at a joint meeting of the Iron, Steel and Metal Workers' Union and the S .A .R . & H.Workers' Union to be held on the 17th May, 1955.

Page 3 /

P a g e 3,

CLOSURE:

There being no further business to discuss the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 7 .10 p.m.

READ AND CONFIRMEE ON:

CHAIRMAN:

SECRETARY:

AU * tMUi’is Of A k'dszlm <S? fH8 •■';r .TfV-’ Of m2 M m ... $ C0i:GR£3d o? tz*$z ^ M S :j N . * k Y THI 2 5 t h ^ AY f 195 ,

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jc-hjii^y .jG...-: ,-kg

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*v VOTIVE i.JLii'pZho : * • V. 0 . A . 0£ JoON •H .. £1» Ot*e* •p v. J . Pl^.DIh-iNG.* I® . A. MAHLANOU. »

A.CUi'viiS i'M- Jv’Wi *-■ w= J. jr .---r T T T r ^ i Y - 4 fror« Comrades 1-ivubeio na

p. Byl-v-id.

ri,^?7uN OF C;UIKI,.J(.

• r r 4 Byl-Vwld w /> wn.'.bic to -vt .uni

the , e • 013p.ct .s Cli iru.'-t:: f 1?*1 the iu-v.tin^»

1. i.j n u : ^ o

tvi i nn t 3 oT the neotm j, of Iir.j o.io

JLlth, 195 v-re ro-.’-d by the ^ c r e t 'X .; rjxd an-A motion 3oi- Comrr.de A . Mahlan^u seconded by k . o*.o^

*w s

" xHaT TH£ i*iINUr^o OF "HE ABOVE kiS-TING

COPOiflCT aND BE /JXXlf JiU"

2 . Ih.-tJJ&lS .^iloING eUT OF luINUx^a^

(a) TYfl >J.The o.cretery reportoJ that he h .d eng g-

?FS “ n Voun \*T^inclu3ivt of cost of living

r.ilow nc- ...r .south V* th.it he h .d or .loved h c on th , b aia of ?• months '.el..l d^rin« u ch oriod 3ha <ould bo _iven uno./jortunity co prove her self -uit.Vblu ^or

r.'Ije.iarji^nt osition.

: »» On ■•> rrotion of Cour^de *<.. oho -3 s-conlud by i . f A? the S-cr-t .ry 's ,c .i o n *-•« u n ,m ou >ly*-+ in , •*

« £> entersed.

~ - ( '0) KoTOR V ^ u CLw l.j^UR^noE-

Th- i.,beret, .ry repert~i vf ° l0^ ' ' S— . r, . ..__ T r» - I - nri

Q >

M r-t° ; r ° d ? ^ ' “ ‘^ f d 5 ® a 8 s llt « t h the Connission o^ ^ i ? , into the- ,-otor V .h ic U .

Insur nc- .

■Ih ifir “ f'*V'J r i r S r tc thJ CoaBtt-Cv t.«.it na ? 5 Trivia - letter to the e.bov. orgem s .tion

ia-sUn^ co;. s ox i is cono'citu tiioni

( c ; &-d+C.,ij_ ____ •. . . r- fi bv the 3^cr -1 -ry t.iat

® i t C“ « c . n 6/ i " t M ^ t the ,bove !r de Union

a t h L g r l , ee , . . , . e . I .U . • s . U l i W ^ •

Correspondence/.

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3 . goA323K)K jjkc 2

L.5X SR PAOM F-IC._N IGBi.CCO' OdA.^S' JNIlN { OUR3 A\ R Ca) * *—* *x) .iiD .

L-jI .ju 1 Ok 0 k. HR.■ i_> V • o • i u • * (.- * —» •— » - - -—i-* l 3 * j* ^ --- - , " i r * --------- ‘ --- ' •**Xi Ju+t i 4 aJ *» w i - JiJ •

r~^:. *.<■'.• > - N __'Xv-Q'XZj ^ . ■ j - >.x t ~ T T T 'n ir.viz \ 1 ion *T' o .^ .cTt.TT . t j s-.r.l

a fr .torn .1 to tholr rjrau 1 coru^r-acoto b . h .Id cn M ay, 29th , 1 3 5 3 ’ t 00 ;-.i cov.-{i,

Jt :r .n :..:J -urg. . *

r *■- co auittec :.,.r»>l th t Ccr..r i- L-or. l v

r o '"r . 3~nt the South v fr iV .n Congres x Tr - IUni ... t :ho iccv c; nl . r . n e e . -L

r.X* . - i . r ■- ^OiX w * .To T,<i .t th xr anna .1 cruv-r-nc.. m su. rt of

o * .1 • • i

•itn r-t..rcl to tho ..bov_ -u^r.tioavu evolution it .unanimously .. r ^ l v the co.1 . itto . t .tthe r-solution bn circul 7tc*d to the .orld Federation of Tr~.li. Unions as .-ell •> -11 ^ ff ix i .tea Unions to 0 . a. C. -. 0 .

,CIflCUii-.-i PAOti F ^J-ri..Ii>N OP 00U1V1 U-KICJK ■■Ol. .i:.~*§e .vomens conference to be .iold on l*Ir\y 2 9 t n , 195/ ,:.t thu Trade.. H all, Johannesburg.

It w..o ananiisously . ,r..ed by the cocL-.i t CwG thit Corarado L . mvujelo r- ;.v 8 tn t the j .n .C .T .U , at tho abov..—mentioned coni^rcncc.

4. Pin.SC2

(a) FINuNCxI 3? i^MSNT FOR JH£ zMilGJ loth,

/,-itxL. 193 . rc ftUY. 1,5-3. •_______________________________

The itov^ 3 tatonont wr-.s r-:.d .ad ex, I .in-d to niv.nibcr3 of tho committee by t h o tr-asuror,'.nd on a iaotion of Co.nrado M. iho;:ie 3o-conde-d by J . Nk.div.0n3 it w 'S r„;re.. i

1 TH.-.T Th*2 A.;oV2 i?IN,J(CI.-.L jr.vPJuJNx1 lo J0fiii2CT TiriTEZ"7J^r^5~.(b) Tno tro ’surer infom-d the com..itto- t.'.'.t the iunds of tho South Africin C on^- s 3 ol Xr. d- Unions were oxtroKily low .; id that o-xtr— c. - cion ^ould be noCo3 oj.ry in ordo'r to ccnto-rvc funds.

( b ) FUI^J l<AlSIl;Cr»

The Comrait ioe agreed t.* ~ e . u .nee b o

hold in cr .^r to r iso funds. After o ne tiscu len it .0 .jvv-d what the f ollov/ini corr - do3 •*.?oula constitute’ . w-nat.nent fund r. .isin0 3ub -co:^.it -- ..•itn i-fQV-rs ol co-o cion - id. oho . -nd u. i.va., lo. l c .: \ farther ^r-od th.-.t Coiaraio L . Shep« act 3 c nv . . r .

• Tho oo'aui.t ,c - iurth-r .--roert thax Loc. 1 com.ai cceoS ,ee .dix^- c v^d *.o r ,.is> i.\ind.> j. oz wn^6 .,.. ;. .... •..nd : :o fits b> divide!

divi le d /................. .. • • •

Qi!

divided c-qu. ily botwc ,n thw tfrsti n~i £xwcu .ive Conn it -cc '.\nd tho Loc 1 Connittces.

(a) -ii tlai: t ~ o r g .j u ^ Fw?

Thv >p|>ointiuont of n org nis^r vv.; li cu.>3wd ty thv con itCCv t length .hi) ON .. Motion of Cora* 'I- 3 op- a.ccndcu by A.M Alrjagu it .s unani-.ously -t.reed th t -

1 (1) Co...r-dw J- NUr.di -r*£ be- wvoioy-d j n prge.niser t .. monthly j -1 ry of £13. <3. >.

( i" m. j?_<. Ji i n utii).}) ».• r . on ti..

(<t) CD,..r..do J . 5c di ving to or m s . x*d vSt/.-bllsK rr iv Ur ion for the •■*' •’<» s in th C .rdboc.ra nd t industry,

(3) Thw org ni.-jwrs . .in .n ixr .vdi .tw task to fcw th t O: c.:r.c-iVi;r * om,] o,i t:.~ >. ,. -r industry 3 0 lely in rdv.r to crj sAi tnose unorg ni j ! ’<-ikw :s iid in ^.diition Swcur- m salnry -be ..-.Jio oi thw r .vvnu . obt .in-d jn subscriptions fro~ these vorkei'S.

(4) UK UNIONo ro

I

—~tr* h£< ^ . . i . w • * . e

Thw Swcr^t ry reported to cho comuittCw th.it th^ fol-ov:ing fr'.de Unions h.'d r.f.iliit- d

to

1 . Afric m L :und_ring , clc j u n g c.nd d/e-ing lorKitrs Union.

2. N.-.tion'.l Union of Laundering, clc '.ning ,?.nd dyeing ’Yorkers.

3. ..fricui Textile ' ork^rs Union.4. T-xtilw 7crkere Union.5. Grjr.icnt ,'orkcrs Unicn of . .f r ic n

• ^ U v j n .

(.5) r’QRIA*.rieN OF NeV TR..eJ UNiCNi.

Tho 3r.;ctiOv of xor^in^ new tr-~.d~ Unions r.o lisc u s^w i .ti length by the cOHU.it tew i*d it w .>;grc -d thvt toe-revor v0 3 S io le some 3hould be

forn-ad. „

/ich L’ vg rd to thw distributive /or ~rs Union(African ieocion.) it w .s unurii; ously :^r«vd tn./tthw V/itw .•torsrrjrid jjoci.l Coai.dtio- b~ dir.ctcd to iiffle ii-.?.t'cly t .kw str-ps to rworg -nijw tui3

Union.

( 6 ) G j N a ^ .w u -

P i i S S j ox‘A- -* -- N IS .

Ihw cw'.C .itTJ * *d L’sous^wd ^rosa rc - r^s on :,lr. r.c. Kuthcrfprds stutwiiw-n3 of thw I .C . Bill_nd viic p oo ition r3 thw Senate /v'-'ndm^nt ci^.1.

It v.a 1 th. t ,.r.S3 3tr.tou-.nt3 r- ch^ :ibov>o> issu-d ind th. t * :.k be wircul.’.t-»* io 2.1 I •f .. J Tr . t. Unions .rd thw Tw3 ;.

rtS th-rw w . no "further business to d4 ea­ch. . 1- ’ . n d -ol.-'.r . J thw sie ting closed :'t . ..

Chili iu iJJ.3 jCrleT .

.D

i- ' " *: ' &

- V "

GENERAL - SXRET ART’S REPORT TO iH*

RATIONAL EKECUTIVE CCKMITTEE OP THE

300TH A “RICAN CCWGB^lo OF TRADE

UNIONS TO B” HELD OR MONDAY THE

27TH JHHE. 1955..----------

period cccaiencing the 5th Marcf, 1955 to dat .

Comrades I . of the opinion that « " 5 ^ 7 3 ^ ^ * - responsibility to present a factual w g r t on the „ l9 0l80 import.

functions of our organisation, in i difficulties in order that

- — - — *

achieve a ha pier life.

This report to the "o n tS lo n t k X « should not

^ i T " r ^ i c U . X ‘ t i f s ° ,r r n f e ^ U o n

1. fcrnfKISTRnTIONi.

fVin 'tnuth frici\n Congress of Trr.de Union9 having The Inaugural Conference*rf th<d So ^ ^powered the task of creat-

auccessfully taken piece on he 5 - ffi-i-nt running of the organisation to the

2 2 S Z S S r ^ t h o r S f e n d , « ? f o U » i *a ^ t e r e therefore crrlod out by resolution of the ^ n n . ^ n t coordtte..

“ a x s a t & a ,‘J Z X . x g s x x i s .:“£12. 10. 0.

wu*« M Khakhau w~s employed in basis of £- months

(B) f f f f i S S - - , - « • 0. 0 . . 1 t h , prort.0 thnt sh«ld she

prove writable txA funds permit her s'l-ry will be review .

, a __________ - ^ n i a e r t The Comaittee envisaged the position where » great(c) TfrTllflTMi nf wouldvlsit ur offices in order to seek advice,

deal of unorganised workers would visi a8 e full time orgon-The Management Cosmittee employed Comrade J. Iflcaaunen* as

iser* whose duties involved!—

(l) Attending to workers who visited the offices.

g g § d

f 11 — r

a s -undertake the convening of conferences of locil trade unio , ^ ^ ^

s u b s e ^ t ! ^

Uniana. M f j „ ■» Executive Coomittee meeting. I would

£ £ K T ^ r ^ s ^ ^ t thefouo-in, centre. h-.ve respon-

ded to our directive and established local committees.

1. VITVATHRSRAND. -

2. WESTERN PROVINCE.

3. E.'J3TERN PROVINCE.

' •- 2 -

1.

2.3.

_ _ _ _ _

:. In ; circular letter to r U Local hZreport.. i Report fro. the Western 8-pe has o n l y * * . t ° U « d . ^ 1 » ^ ^ ° cient

local Cnonittess It cannot be stWMed tr.de union nove»ent, » they are

s t e m o°f z - — d u t i e s 1 1 i s t o r e s p o n d i c M d '

lately to the directives of the Banagenent Cootlttee.

Although It le true that our orf oiBOtl-oU " u T t a l d n g ,

required for adjusting ourselves ^ “r^leatlo n into othere could have been more activity. In onier to so "s t •> avoid our mis- formade able force we must not hesitate t > criticise ourselves s. -

ttikes in future. Some of these criticisms cres-

S S j ? S ? S t ! ! S ™ s s r , 2

In other centres it .as not the cose and loc,l cam itt ... .ere only established

much latsr.

Local Cocinltte s are s i c In infomlng headquarters of their octivitios.

No grca* initiative has been displayed in any centre such a. *

S to - 1st b a t in g trade Unions.

* nn activities 're over and above the directives which headquarters These comments on activities *re . . . It is not necessary tc

- T l n s f ^ £ 2 K £ = - l / S S ^ S T —

(i) Draft an prgnnisationnlplan for the South African Cingress of Tr-de Unions

(which shall be discussed later).

(ii) Assume the responsibility of bringing'out a monthly bulletin.

(1 U ) Draft , Syllabus for training of individual. along the lines of trad, unionise

5 . ACTIVITIES!

m „ rwtft M V Ir.y celebroti >n was planned by the Management Cremittee to takel(i> H-sY This celebration wns poorly attended and clearly show-

f S . t h e T r i rf local trade unions in assisting .ith

the organisation of this meeting. This .eakness and the self-contained, only .crrying .ib.«rt their a m .elfore, must be eliminated.

fl Tha q,uth ; fricon Congress of Trade Unions was represented at the annual

J ' Conference of the Nat J IndUn Congress, where s resolution of suppor or

■ S -uth Tricon Congress of Trade Unions was passed.

-Mil') It a c'nferer.oc neld in Port Elizabeth convened by the liberntory ° 0Tene"*®J a representative of the S uth ..fricon Congress of Trade unions participated

l\ and supported resolutions opposing the Bantu Education Act.

« (iv) t the annual C Terence ,f the M c r n National Congress Youth Le-gue froter-

I U nal greetings were delivered by a South fric-n Congress of Trade Unions dele-J

§ gate.

( , ) t a meeting of the T n « m l Iron Stssl and Metal Workers’ Union held in Evaton

rra nril 17th 1955 £ speaker from the South .frican Congress of Trade Unions

addressed the’meetiJig and urged support for the popularising of our organisation.

(vi) The assistance of the South African Congress of Trade Unions *as called upon

tv the frlean Textile Workers Union during the strike of 2,000 employeou.The employers cooperated with the South .frican Congress of Trade Unions

officials.

1

“JfoSfc

- 3 -

y

'(y n ) Trtw Workers Strike: On the request of the Toy Workers Union, the South

. African Congress of Trade Pniorti issisted the Secretary in attempting to

settle a strike of 92 workers,

(viii) Assistance hns '.Iso been given to pesnut workers during a lock out which

occured on the 7th June, 1955•

4. PRESS 3T..TEKENTS:

The following press swtements were issued:

1, Or* the Sen"to Bill.

2. Industri.il Conciliation Bill.

3 . Bantu Educati ;n ct.

4, Toy " rkers Strike,

5. PUBLIC/.TIOH:

The following publication's were issued by the S.a.C.T.U,:-

1. Memorandum to the select committee cn the Industrial Conciliation amendment

Bill; this wrs circularised to all trade unions .nd to the press, -nd

received good publicity in the local press,

I 2 . 10,000 leaflets wer<- printed on the significance of Nay Day.

| 3. Two issues f the South '.frican Congress of Trade Unions bulletin "Virkers

Unity” h'-ve been published

6. APPE/.LS:

On the request of* trade unions appoalB for assistance were issued for the:-

M Tobacco Workers (So far £15 has been received.

^b) Pood and Carding Workers Union (£2 has m ly come to hand).(c) Toy Workers Union, on appeal for this union in respect of the 92 strikers was

issued but there ha 3 been no response.

7. INTERN. .TI0N/.L:

(a) The Management Committee has discussed the ndvisabilityof affiliating to the

World Federation of Trade Unions, and is now in possession of all information relating

to affiliation*

(b) .» memorandum was submitted to the International Labour Organisation together

/ with 2 c^py ~f M t constitution, establishing South frican Congress of Trade Union*

contention that our organisation is solely representative of the workers of South ..frica.

(c) Copies of the constitution and information relating to the South frican

Congress of Trade Unions was supplied to other Nati >nnl co-ordinating bodies.

3. FINANCE:

The financial position of the South ..frican Congress of Trade Unions is extremely

p^or '■nd local Committees h-.ve been requested to as sit headquarters in raising funds,

detailed financial report which the treasurer will present to the cveeting will indic-

\te the position.

9 . AFFILI. TED TRADL "MICKS:

The following Unions hr.vs submitted applications f">r affiliation:-

(i) National Uni ’n of Laundering, cleaning ?nd dyeing workers,

(ii) African L undry,, cle'ning snd Dyeing Workers Union.

(iii) Garment Workers Uni n of frican Women. X-,;

(It) -frioon Textile workers Union.

(▼) Textile Workers nion.' ■ " -1- - . i ; ■ .

■I-(.vi) Transvaal In n Sc. Steel Ujrkcrs Union,

* (vii) '.frican Domestic Work* rs Union (Tvl)

(viii) Municipal "orkers Union (port Elizabeth),

The inability of the regaining 23 Unions to affiliate to the South frican Congress

of Tr^de Union3 has sevorly restricted the work of our organisation, since no incone

through affiliation fees have been received. kick of funds for publipati ns prevented

further propogandisirg of the South .frican Congress of Trade Unions.

Froc this report it c:.n be seen that organisational ir/.chinery fces now bean created,

the existence of the South frican Congress of Trade nniona has been r.ade known nation-

oily and internationally,, nd now that those- preliminary t-.aks hive been completed.

It is now the duty of the S aith ..frican C' nptess of Trade Unions to inplcrawrt the 'line

and objects of our orgnnis tion r.ore effectively ' nd build it into r. really represent­

ative Trade Union Centre,

In conclusion, it must be recorded th:-t the decision of the Council of *fon-

European Tr\de Unions to nerge with the South .’.frican Congress of Trade Unions has

consider-bly increased our prestige and strength. It csnnot be forgotton that the

Council of Non-European Trade Unions after twelve ye'-rs of intensive activity had

succeeded in uniting a section if the working class into a militant trade union c^ntr

and that without the support and co-operation of the Council of Non-Europe n Trade-

Unions the formation of the South .frican Congress of Trade Unions would hrve been

impossible.

MTHUT*S OF MEETING f THE MAiAGEMENT OOIOCITTEE 'T THE SOUTH AFRICAN

CONGRESS OF TRADE UI'IONS, HELD OR WEDNESDAY, 19th OCTOBER, 1955, AT

5 .30 P .M ., at JO, PROGRESS BUILDINGS, 156, COMMISSIONER STREET, JOHANNESBURG.

PRESENT» P. Byleveld (President), L. Masina, (Secretary) L. Levy, (Treasurer).

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: A. Mahlangu, M. Shope, J , Nkadlmeng, and L . Mvubelo,

AR^ N G OUT OF MjNlffES:

FOOD & CANNING WORKERS1 UNION - FISING INDUSTRY CONDITIONS: It waa agreed

that a latter ba sent to the Food It Canning Workers' Union, requesting thea to prepare a memorandum on the Fishing Industry, so that representations could be made to the Minister of Labour In this connection.

S .A .C .P .O . CONFERENCE: The Conference due to be held on the 10th October, had been pvistpoaed to the 19th October. Comrades O .A . Ollsen and D. Mateman were elected to attend as representatives of S .A .C .T .U .

. OLICE RAIDS PROTEST COMMITTEE: Comrade Lsvy reported that he had been

atclng on this Committee and protest meetings had been oallad In Orchards

and at the Trades Hall.

FOOD k CANNING WORKERS♦ UNION:- CASE IN SUPREME COURT: The Seoretary re­ported that an appeal had been aent to all affiliated Unions to assist the

Union to meet the costs of the ease.

CORRESPONDENCE: _

1) DURBAN LOCAL COMMITTEE: re. report on their activities. This was

accepted by the meeting.

2) .tt f^AfrPIE. KIMBERLEY: re. organisation of workers into Trade Unions.

The Committee decided that we should obtain more information frem this contact.

LIFT THE BAN CAMPAIGN: Aft^r some discussion, the Committee agreed that the S .A . Cengre9s of Trade Unions should write to the National C0nsultftlre

Committee, aak nng them to join S .A .C .T .U . in the Anti-Banning Campaign.The fallowing were elected as representatives of S .A .C .T .U . on the National

Committee:- L. Levy and M. Shope; alternate, A. Mahlangu.

INDUSTRIAL CONCILIATIONS ACT AMENDMENT BILL: After some discussion, the

Committee agreed that a leaflet be lasued dealing with the I .C . B ill . In addition, factory meetings are to be called in order to explain the dangers

of the Bill, and a Petition is to be drawn up, and sent to both affiliated

and non-affiliated unione.

NATIVE LABOUR SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES ACT: A draft leaflet on the Act was read by the Chairman. After some discussion, it was agreed that the leaflet be simplified, so as to make it understandable to the workers.It was also emphasised that prominence ahould be given to the alms embodied

in the act. Emphasis should also bs laid <*n the rights of workera under

the act, and further, it should be made clear In the leaflet that workers

must have the right to determlxp their own future.

APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from Cemrsde O .A . ^lsson, who was attending the the S .A .C .P .O . Conference.

MINUTES: The Minutes of the previous meeting, held on the 5th

October, 1955, were read. On a motion by A. Mahlangu, aeoonded by J . Nkadimeng, the minutes were adopted.

/

/LOCAL,

LOCAL COMMITTEES: After some discussion, the Comal tee agreed that Local

Committees should he instructed to send monthly reports to Head Office.

STATISTICS: The question of organising African workers into trade

unions, after the passing of the Native Labour Settlement of Disputes Act,

was raised. It was agreed that figures, showing the number of Afriean

Unions formed during this period, should be drawn up. Comrade M. Shope

was requested to obtain this information and to report back.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at

7 .30 p.m.

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

/

B M C

w * * * ^ A O t M K W COMMITTEE OF THK 908M i m t a a m OOWKESJ OF TRADE UNIONS, HELD ON WEI •• ThT 25 R D W Y

IZ Z lL 5 ,0 0 P* * ' AT 3 0 ,PROGRESS BUILDINGS, 1 5 6 C 0 ^ » w t ! Z ? ^ 1 W R M T , JOHANNESBURG. COKMI8SIO«R

■ ■ M i M H .<?/ a m i

W * y (Treeeurtr)

COMMIT?St

A. MihUagu, M, Shop., j , w k .diM ng, 0 . aUsob ,

hi Hrubeio*

APQliQgnfl|

m UTEfl.

c. Sltuds,

f f ? ! ! ! ? ’ 1955' » » • read. 0« « mtlon

" ’ ond* d bj * • * » •

■T3I m f f l ^TTI.rwgNT or d i s p u t e yh# 3 n r * t i r ;

a & v s u s r . £ / . * r 1*‘ - — —CORRESPONDENT,

— *a -* -• *’-«« 1 :5 ,: z ^ i z i ^ i r

2)Note JffigT^Rjf CAPE. ^ L COMMITTEE; re. Industrial Conelllatlen B ill .

“ - -"•< «.* * u V u ? u V .:i s c\hi r mrs / s s r s s opl”t ,E “ d

M”k; s s s ^ s a r r ^ s s r , ^5> jiim t .

~ ^ S F . 5 = f f H ” H S S r

5 3 ^ ^ S f « S » a s 2 a s = -required tureent «ttnntinn .» *, a<® UbI ou noveoent and

attention of the South Afrioan Gonxrese of Tr.d*

o ^ « t #lt, i t l a . fl U and e ff" * » “ ure. to

■ No........^ ,......^ by..

-

2 ) ' LOCaL O O W O T ta . Be . .k .d to oonv.no specisl " * # * > : • < *

rallies on this issue.

3 , AFFILIATE TRADE UNIONS BE APPROACHED: re. Convening First

National Conference in February.

- n ^ N C E ~ gOI'TH AFRICAN TRADE j g g ^ .

discussions on the First C o n f e r e n c e ^ ~ conB'j.ttee that at the

of Trade Unions the Secretary that the First Conference beinaugural Conftrence it was decided that £ta. ConcUlation B i U

held in Port Elizabeth. I * v ie w of February, The Management

2 S S S i d 1 ? ^ 5 ^ J g r S i S d ’ S - e unions shout this s t a t i o n .

_ 2 - ■ V.; .* • -•

CLOSURE:

There heing no farther business to discuss,the Meeting

closed at 7 .10 p.m»

CHAIRMAN..

SECRETARY.

Aa t e .

•1

i >

•• 'v* > i/y'

tJSl

- m

T;i /! rf*m *

l. '■*&. ■■ ■ f

& V:v^:fto-v k ***‘

MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE S .A , CONGRESS

OF TRADE UNIONS, HELD AT 30, PROGRESS BUILDINGS, 156, COMMISSIONER STREET, JOHANNESBURG, ON WEDNESDAY, 19th JANUARY, 1956, AT 5 .40 p.m.

PRESENT: CHAIRMAN: _P. Byleveld. Treasurer; L. Levy, General Secretary: L. Masina.

Committee Members: J . Nkadimeng, A. Mahlangu, M. Shope, Leon Levy, 0 . Oohlson.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were read. It was

pointed out that tw* errors had been made, and the minutes were to be rectified as follows:-

Date: The date of Meeting was to be changed from the

19th October, to read the 23rd November, 1955.

Alwyn Amnesty Committee: Section 1. was to be amended to read:

"Committee agreed to write to the Minister of Justice protesting against the unjust sentence and requesting an amnesty.

On a motion by Comrade M. Sh*pe, Seconded by A. Mah­

langu, the Minutes, as amended, were adopted.

ARISING OUT OF MINUTES:

X ) Fishing Industry. After s»me discussion on this matter, itwas agreed that a letter of protest be sent to the Minister of Labour.

2) J .J . Mampie. Kimberley: The Secretary informed the Com­

mittee that Dr. Letle had given a favourable report on this man. After some discussion, it was agreed that he be informed of the Conference being called by S .A .C .TU . Further, that he should be advised to inform the work­

ers in Kimberley of the Conference, and try to raise funds to enable delegates to attend.

3 ) S .A . Labour Party Conference: Comrade Shope reported that he had been unable to locate the Hall in which the Labour

Party Conference was being held; he therefore apologised for being unable to attend.

CORRESPONDENCE:

1) From Cape Town Ltcal Committee, d .d .1 3 .1 .5 6 .

a) After some discussion it'was agreedJ that Cape Town should not organise a local Conference.

b) The Committee agreed that it was not necessary to alter the Conference from a 3 day to a 2 day gathering.

c) The Committee agreed that delegates should pay 10/- per day towards catering expenses, whilst observers and frater­nal delegates should pay 5/- per day.

d) It was further agreed that emphasis should be placed on the signing of the I .C . B ill Petition, as the presenting of

two petitions would only serve to confuse the workers.e) With regard to the appointment of an Organiser, it was felt that Head Office could not agree to employ an Organis­

er for the Western Province. However, the Secretary was instructed to advice their Local Committee that Johannesburg representatives would be reaching Cape Town a week prior to the Conference, and would assist in preparing for Conference.

/

2) From Natal Local Committee, d .d . 7 .1 .5 6 .

After some discussion of this matter, the Committee agreed that it was impracticable to alter the venue of Conference.It was suggested that Natal delegates should consider trav­elling to the Cape by boat, as this might keep down expenses.

/OPENING

<4 ’

OPENING OF NATAL CONFERENCE;

The General Secretary reported that he had been invited to rpen the Conference of the Natal Local Committee, to be held in Durban on the 12th February, 1956. The Committee agreed that the General Secretary should do so.

1st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE:

The chairman informed members that the Planning Committee (as decided at the last meeting of the Management Committee) had gone ahead with arrangements for the holding of the 1st Annual National Conference in Cape Town from the 1st to ;the 4th March, 1956.

All Unions had been informed of this decision of the N.E.C.He therefore requested the meeting to endorse the actions of the Planning Committee. On a motion by A. Mahlangu, second­ed by M. Shope, it was agreed that the Chairman's report be accepted.

It was agreed that the following should be invited to attend the Conference:-

A. Hepple, M.P., as a Gueast Speaker.Fraternal Delegates from:- A.N.C., S .A .I .C ., S .A .C .P .O ., C'.O.D. Liberal Party, and S.A. Labour Party. N.

TRANSVAAL LOCAL COMMITTEE:

Comrade J. Nkadimeng reported that the Transvaal Local Con­ference was being held on the 5th February, 1956, and that members of the Management Committee would address the Conference.

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:

The Chairman reported that at the last meeting of the Consult­ative Committee it was decided that all organisations represent­ed on the Consultative Committee should each pay £50.0.0. to­wards the cost of propaganda material. As S.A.C.T.U. was re­presented, we should pay this amount. If necessary, the money could be paid in installments of £10.0.0. over a period of five months. After some discussion, Comrade Levy moved, seconded by J. Nkadimeng, that a sum of £10.0.0. be paid to the Consul­tative Committee. This was agreed.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded.

- 2 -

CHAIRMAN

DATE

T H t f f © < ® £ C A N N 8 W M M t B D W B O W S M . 8 > $

B I S 84™ A N N U A L C O N f f S R E N C E lrU°"L’*', „Under the inspiring leadership of Ray Alexander and Frank

Marouard. the now banned leaders of the Food k Owning lorkers'Onion, the Union, in its 14th year, has taken its place beside the mast -.f^Loutstanding trade unions in the world - ax* to-day - atands out te a 1**4“

trade union in South Africa.

The 14th Annual Conference of the Union was s caw what dif­ferent to previous conferences. With the banniwc of Comrade Barand other leading officials, the task of conducting and ,ence fell to the workers. Hot even the acting General Secretary, Beoky Lan, was sble -to attend, due to her being banned from gatherings.

66 delegates, presenting 1? branche** of the Food & Canning Workers* Union met in Cape town on August 27th and 28th, 195% to

hold the 14th Annual Conference.

the delegates asseafelsd together clearly demonstrated to•south Africa and the world - that deaoite the blowe dealt by th* ^ernment in the removal of its leaders; despite Vb* custlyoourt i 2 ahad been involved. the Union hadliving, dynamic foroe, moving forward to greater heights.

With a pride so ingrains* mo foroe could crush it, d«legates listened to the written report ctf the Anting General Secretary

S report elaborated on the la*ge Humber of wage « N P » t i

concluded sinceon the I.C , Act, and the sffsots of the wttrt <n “*"AfcW

The Conference turned its ittsitioa tothehousing stoort-

ages, to Bantu Education, the tot system, and the rtjf* ^ rf oth^ farm labourers, the Suppression of Co-unimm Act, and a host of oth#r issues

affecting workers in all industries.

M w p f c l e n o ff f r e e d o m C t i c r t e r*ha Freedom Charter waa read to the Conferenoe, « •

o»«sa*e firing the imagination of all. Ita freshnsss aeemsd io seep into

S T S r JSSm 2S«atas and rip the dark V M S T Z ithe spirit of the Charter captured the Conference and refused Every Uilegata pledged himself to sproad its gOspell

I P o i U * 8 n l « r r » p tIn a shameful atteapt to intimidate the delag*+aaf three

Spools am en 4»t«tlT.», * » » " « « •* »«•“ *» £" “ “ “*“ •* u **“ers, interrupted the Conference.

D < /

O

SScA N C O N ^SsNOF°rRADE U N X O N S ^ L D ^ ^ ^ °F THE S°UTKINGS, 156, COMMISSIONER S T R E E T 2?- 3 ‘ PR0GR5SS BUILD- 28th MARCH, 1956 AT '• 30 P M J0HANNESBURG* °N WEDNESDAY,

PRESENT:

MINUTES;

ARISING OUT OF MINUTES;

PRESIDENT: L. Levy TREASURER: D. fiEtiian.GENERAL SECRETARY: L. Masaina.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS; * A, Mahlangu, S . Maaek0j

M. tfongawaa, G. Phillips,

apom m , t :

A l l . r * , lnf “f the « • " « • « . » Committee since the holding of the let National Con-

thITr0 J" CflPe T0Wn* He told oonbersIS l ♦ S °? * f enc* had been truly inspiring, and that although S .A .C .T .U . had only ^ { e-

brated its first birthday in March, it had

th£, M-r,gr ° f WOrk* He h°Ped ^ a t» L ^ a591Mn! Committee would accomplieh

great deal in the coming year.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were read

Seconded L? " * * * asina, the Minutes were accepted aa correct.

Attendance by General Secretary »t m .tt D w

l^g g ren ce : 'The cener.l Secretary on h i . T l .lt Por, E1Uabeth

Conference of the National Union of Dletrlb-

?he C o S ^ ^ e^^ • He 38ld that " • »ad dSeasod

£ .£ In hla addr9BS h« >»ii aff 111 + . 05 S ‘ A .C .T .U . did not have a large

the i i m L ? " ? 1P' ltS SC0PC « t .n d .d to

eoon « n » t0 f , Un° rganl8ed w!’rt" rs . «>■» »ould ♦ho f y, t0 programme. He had outlinedT l l t T * J / . C . T . U . stressing the need f T n united working-class, pointing out that only

united Trade Union movement could lead the

thl ! °f the W0rker8‘ He had dealt with In i , P y#d bY the S .A . Trade Union Council

u L S# I?* th8t SUCh a body ^ d not g ^ alead to the workers of South Africa. He had

also made it clear that S .A .C .T .U . did not'speak

with thl ^ Af riCan Trade Unions. Dealing with the campaign against the I .e . B ill , he

J ®iv?n *he background to our approaches to the Trade Union Council, and their lack

camn°70Peratl0n* H® h®d th®n dealt *ith OUTcampaign against the B ill ,

v e ° r « n ‘ : : L n; " f d that h i» »«<> > » «received. The Management Committe-

had at f l r .t , thought that it would be wl.c-

e l n T t h e S T S T 8Peal'* r to the Conferenc^,

Trade v £ o r « ” * * 00"P 1<ltelI European J ' I , J v T I " ’ the flnal »M i«lon that h» i “ -tend had been a wlae one, because

the f . . l ! 8r‘ i* t0 inform « U Conference of IngE of the African workers.

/C o m r a d a ......

_ 2.

V ir.i.-,rrx- :

spoken to. 11 irstes wh■md ‘•hey r. - i infornecr- t-iry1s 'ijir.-ss ha I K

Afttv diesussi „r., itwri t ten to a .! L:c 1 c

the "ie-tir.f that he'h»d

'attended thic C nfercrtce, him th-’t the G ehenl Sec­ure dcwh very well.

an decided th*t letters be

^amittyes, requesting them r rr ;«H African work, — in the Distributivexrsde, -v- when doing s , tc seek assistance fron the registered Trade Union.

— J The importance of May Day was discussed,ana it * « s decided that letters be written to all

Local Committees, instructing them tc prepare for May Day. *

CORRESPQNDANHF!

1) — S ' A« i n g r e ss of Democrats: It was agreed that Mrs. L. Mvubelo attend the Conference of

this organisation as a Fraternal Delegate re­presenting S .A .C .T .U .

21 From Mrs, E. Stein, re. wages for March: The General Secretary explained that the Typist

had, due to domestic difficulties, given in

her notice. Another typist, (Mrs.~Stein) had been engaged, to commence work on the 1st March.

The present typist then indicated that she would be able to stay on, and it was a;roed to keep

her. In the meantime, Mrs. Stoin was not ad­vised of the change in the position, and she n. * claimc j » ves f .r the month cf March. There was discussion on this natter, and members ex­

pressed the opinion that this must not occur again

under iny circumstances. It was agreed that Mrs. Stein be paid, as she was entitled to the

money. Comrade M. Nongawza moved, seconded by

A. Mph'.hlele, that "An amount of £ 25 .0 .0 . be paid” .

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS;

The General Secretary informed the meeting that

the Conference resolutions were not yet ready for distribution, but were in the process :>f being typ-6 d«

un a motion, by Comrade D. Matoman, Seconded by S.

Maesko, it was agreed: "That the Conference re­

solutions be sent to the Planning Committee; the Planning Committ** to'report back to the Manage­ment Committee",

ELECTION OF PLANNING COMMITTEE:

The fcllcwing were unanimously elected:

Comradesi L. Levy, I . (basin*f A. Kahlangau,I . byieveld.

J-’.r tette'SV.•.iv&sjii: i>yjnuNAL consultative committee;

The r'illo#ing were MnA*vliafn*aly elect. Is

Levy, A. Mahlingau.'•r • ■ *

/TRAINING...

- 3 -

.CAMPAIGN FOR TRAINING NEW LEADERS-

u« pxan ior the training of new leaders".

FINANCE:

The General Secretary laid before the meeting a letter received from the Food & Canning Workers' Union, re Conference expenses still to be met.

"A letter be sent to the Cape Western Local Committee

requesting them to immediately submit to Head Office

The following applications for exemption, from payment of Affiliation Fees were discussed.

From Furniture, Mattress k Bedding Workers' Union, Tvl asking for exemption from paying Id. per member per month

on the basis of 100 members. After some discussion on

this matter, it was agreed that no exemption be granted. The Secretary was instructed to write to this Union ask­ing for details of their total paid up membership.

From S .A .R , & H. Workers' Union, re. affiliation and ask­ing for exemption from payment of affiliation fees.

The Secretary informed the Committee that this Union has not yet submitted particulars of total membership, so that their request would have to be held over until this information came to hand.

The Committee accepted the application to affiliate .

The following Unions had applied to affiliate toS .A .C .T .U .

After discussion, Comrade A. Maphalele moved, Seconded by A. Mahlangau that:

details of:

a) All monies paid to them in respect of Delegates Fees.

b) All monies recieved through the Dance held on the 3rd March, 1956.

EXEMPTIONS FROM AFFILIATION FEES-

/Stevedoring

- 4 -

Workors' a*.African Sweet Workors' Union (Port Elizabeth).

African Milling Workers' Union(Port Elizabeth). „

156.

On a notion by S. Maseko, Seconded by A. Mphalele the above applications were accepted; nptialele*

thlt E r#£ n « Waa instructed ^ inform these Unions hat in addition to payment of the basic amount of

month!" D° nth' th6y * ei'a ‘ ° ld- » " ~ per

From Metal Workers* Union Cnnp Tn»r,

lr T neab6r Per ° ° nth:informed the Committee that this was a very poor

seconded " MphaUle Q°Ved’

from Union b® granted an exemption

of three montha"Per " enber P“r m° nth f ° r * P " 1^

The General Secretary was instructed to write to

ehown on°?AeirkinSi ! h8! her the figUre ° f 370 De^ e r s 4 . ‘ application form represented the totnl

paid-up membership of the Union.

PflKENT OF PASIC AFFILIATION FEE OF 10/- PirW

™ ported that certain Unions were not

Btitutlo! h V * * 8 ln accordance with the Con- I I ™ I submitted a detailed report of allpayments. (See attached report).

Secretary was instructed to write to those

a ^ / ® re n0t payin« the Ba8ic Fee asking them to

° ; eu J “ T * * ln their payaents’ and also to write all Unions who were in arrears, asking them to pay.

? 2 t * l l L h l ! J h P0#i ti^ 0f the MuniciPal Workers* Union, ' had paid only 10/- on affiliation

Por^Elizabeth1*!tSr^ r *5 in9tructed to "rite to the ’ Port Elizabeth Local Committee, asking them to give

t ? t h p ST7 ?n ° n thlS Uni°n ’ and further, to write direct e Union, asking them to give reasons for non-payment,

In connection with the African Food & Canning Workers'

beJship that tneir a fflU st8d »= -oership of 1,500 did not represent the f u U strenth of

S S ; The Secretary waa instructed to write

strength i ° n * th* “ t0 a ffillat® their fullstrength, in accordance with the Constitution.

ACCOUNTS:

The following accounts were passed for payment:

1) Hygrade Printers. (Letterheads)............ £ 6 10 n2) M. Muller (Ledger)................. .................... a a

3) Telephone (Including Rental) i ................ 9 i «4) Gestetner.................... ........................ 7 ' •5,6<

5) Stencils.................. ........................................... 2 '° *......................................... 12, 0 .0 .

paper?°retary W*8 8uthori9ed to Purchase duplicating

/G eneral,...........

GENERAL:

The Secretary reported ttnt a telegram of condolence

had boon sent to Port Elizabeth on behalf of S .A .C .T .U .

regarding the tragic death cf Comrade John Nangr*- 13a '

Jebe. In iddition, letters hnd been sent to all local Committees, instructing them to send messages.

WORKERS* UNITY:

The Chairman, C~nrade Levy, informed the Committee that "Workers' Unity" was now being printed in Cape Town, together with "Morning Star", the total cost

would be £30.0 0. per month. Of this, S .A .C .T .U . would have to pay £1 5 . 0 . 0 . per month.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to this arrange­ment .

/ /Comrade Levy explained that those Unions who wished to insert a page concerning the activities of their

particular Union could make arrangements to do so.This would bring down the cost to S .A .C .T .U .

The General Secretary was instructed to advise all affiliated Unions accordingly.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7 .40 p.m.

CHAIRMAN

rECRETARY

Collection Number: AD1812

RECORDS RELATING TO THE 'TREASON TRIAL' (REGINA vs F. ADAMS AND OTHERS ON CHARGE OF HIGH TREASON, ETC.), 1956 1961 TREASON TRIAL, 1956 1961

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