Solidarity

Solidarity is a South African trade union representing primarily skilled workers, professionals and white-collar employees across various sectors. The union is headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng, and operates throughout South Africa. Solidarity evolved from the Mineworkersunion (MWU) and has historically represented Afrikaans-speaking workers, though its membership base has broadened over time. The union has about 150 000 members and is known for its focus on workplace rights, labour relations and advocacy on behalf of its members. Solidarity is not affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and operates independently. The union frequently engages in litigation and public campaigns on issues affecting its members, including employment equity, language rights and access to public services. It has established a range of affiliated institutions, including the Solidarity Research Institute, the Solidarity Helping Hand fund and training centres. Solidarity is led by a general secretary and an elected leadership structure. The union was established in its current form in 2002, building on the legacy of earlier mineworker organisations dating back to the early twentieth century.