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Origins of the trade union movement Early mineworkers' strugglesTrade unions in the 1930s and 1940s The call for a non-racial union Tightening the noose with labour reforms The birth of FOSATU Unity for workers' struggles COSATU unites!COSATU strikes back!COSATU attacks!COSATU takes on civil strife Strengthening global supportCrushing the Labour Relations ActDefiance through mass action
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Timeline

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1919
Industrial Commercial Union (ICU) formed.
1922
The Rand Revolt.
1948
The National Party came to power.
1953
Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd says, "There is no place for the Bantu in the European community above the level of certain forms of labour."
1960
64 Leaders of SACTU are banned.
1970
PUTCO strike.
1973
The Durban strike reignited the workers' struggles.
1975
The Bantu Labour Relations Act is passed.
1975
The Wiehahn Commission recommends that all races be allowed to join worker unions.
1975
The Riekert Commission recommended that restrictions as to where blacks are allowed to work should be relaxed.
1980
This period saw a more powerful and unified action against the government. This, coupled with support from abroad led to the unraveling of apartheid.
1981
The 'Unity Talks' begin.
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August 1983
The United Democratic Front (UDF) is formed.
1985
The 'Unity Talks' end after four years.
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1985
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is formed.
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1986
Between 1985 and December 1986, over 8 000 people were detained.
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1986
State security forces occupy townships.
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1987
A rising militancy and resolve among black workers is witnessed.
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1987
Mass support and stay-aways in commemoration of May Day and June 16.
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1987
National protest action against the whites-only House of Assembly elections and workers' demands.
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1987
Strikes and solidarity action for transport and postal workers.
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1987
Boycotts of black local authorities.
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22 April 1987
The siege of COSATU House is ransacked by the apartheid government police force.
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07 May 1987
COSATU House is bombed.
09 August 1987
The biggest strike in the history of South Africa - the NUM strike - where 340 000 mineworkers demanded better working conditions and higher wages.
05 September 1989
The two days, September 5 and 6 saw the biggest stay-away being staged in the country's history. About 3 million people did not report for work.
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