29 May 1987

18th plenary meeting

Infringements of trade union rights in South Africa

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1985/43 of 30 May 1985,

Having examined the extract from the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on southern Africa,

Noting with indignation that dehumanizing conditions continue to be imposed on black workers by the Government of South Africa and that police intervention in industrial disputes has become a regular feature,

Aware of the importance of the role of the independent black trade union movement in the struggle against apartheid,

Gravely concerned at the intensification of the repression against the independent black trade union movement since the proclamation of the state of emergency by the Government of South Africa,

1. Takes note of the extract from the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on southern Africa;

2. Condemns the repression of the independent black trade union movement by the Government of South Africa;

3. Demands once again the cessation of persecution of trade unionists and repression of the independent black trade union movement;

4. Requests once again the immediate recognition of the unimpeded exercise of freedom of association and trade union rights by the entire population of South Africa, without discrimination of any kind;

5. Demands the immediate release of all trade unionists imprisoned for exercising their legitimate trade union rights;

6. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts to continue to study the situation and to report thereon to the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council;

7. Also requests the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts, in the discharge of its mandate, to consult with the International Labour Organisation and the Special Committee against Apartheid, as well as with international and African trade union confederations;

8. Decides to consider at its first regular session of 1988 the question of allegations regarding infringements of trade union rights in South Africa as a sub-item of the item entitled "Human rights".