During 2011, trade union Solidarity gave back more than R259 million, that is, more than R21 million a month – almost three times more than its average monthly income from member contributions – to its members in the form of legal successes and claimed member benefits.
According to Ilze Nieuwoudt, Solidarity spokesperson, Solidarity’s legal department made history this year when a record amount of more than R250,5 million was awarded to Solidarity members in legal actions. This amount includes more than R206,5 million in compensation paid out in respect of occupational health and safety claims and close to R47 million awarded in respect of cases heard in the Labour Court and general litigation.
“These awards are not just a victory for the members, but also for Solidarity. The trade union has an exceptionally competent legal team comprising more than 30 legal experts who see to members’ labour cases full time,” says Nieuwoudt. She ascribes the legal successes achieved to the dedication of this legal team, the biggest trade union legal team in the country.
“Solidarity’s legal team is skilful in dealing with labour matters. Experts in the field of occupational health and safety, general litigation and labour issues handled hundreds of members’ cases this year. The trade union’s experts in general litigation and labour matters dealt with approximately 123 disciplinary hearings, 358 conciliations, 280 arbitrations, 418 Labour Court consultations, 36 court appearances and 14 pre-trials at the Labour Court during 2011,” according to Nieuwoudt.
Solidarity handles approximately 2 500 cases of members, excluding large collective disputes, at any given time.
The trade union also paid out more than R6 million in member benefits during 2011, of which R5,6 million was paid out in respect of the Solidarity funeral benefit to hundreds of families who lost loved ones and R446 250 in maternity benefits.
Ilze Nieuwoudt
Spokesperson: Solidarity
