27 May 1988

16th plenary meeting

Infringements of trade union rights in South Africa

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1987/63 of 29 May 1987,

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

Noting with indignation that dehumanizing conditions imposed on black workers by the Government of South Africa and police intervention in industrial disputes, including mass arrests, banning and even killing of trade unionists, continue,

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

Gravely concerned at the recent escalation of the repression against the independent black trade union movement, in particular the severe restrictions placed on the Congress of South African Trade Unions, and efforts to impose further restrictions on trade unions through legislative changes,

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

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

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

4. Requests once again immediate recognition of the right of the entire population of South Africa to exercise freedom of association and to form and join trade unions without impediment or discrimination of any kind;

5. Demands the immediate unconditional 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 1989 the question of allegations regarding infringements of trade union rights in South Africa as a sub-item of the item entitled "Human rights".