The path to our Golden Jubilee
has not been an easy and
smooth sailing one.
During our 50 years of existence,
we had to struggle
against great odds · but thanks
to the dedication of some of our
older members who were steadfast
in their belief and withstood
a tremendous onslaught in the
earlier days.
Many would recall the hard
struggle the late Jimmy Bolton,
founder of our Union, had to
undergo in his bid to keep our
members intact.
There are others who have also made great sacrifices during their illustrious
careers in the clothing industry.
And it is as a result of the efforts of the older members, and to a certain extent
the present crop, we are where we are · in the 50th year of our existence.
Today we are firmly established as a trade union with a membership of well
in excess of 55 000 workers of all race groups.
Our Union believes in fair play and justice and equality for all irrespective of
race, colour, creed or sex.
But the disturbing factor that has emerged of late is the inteference of "outside
forces" who are trying to divide our members on racial lines.
Discrimination in any form is against the deeply embedded policy of our
Union.
We do not only deplore such actions but also treat it with the contempt it
deserves. Our demand is for a single trade union for the garment industry
and this we have in the GWIU (Natal).
The celebration of the Golden Jubilee is an important event in the life of our
Union and it is you, the members, who have made it possible. For this we
want to thank you.
The Editorial committee had to spend several weeks in putting facts to J
paper for the production of this souvenir brochure. We express and hope /},
that this brochure will not only be informative but will also evoke in its, l,.;,
readers an interest in the Union J: :'.'
We also wish to thank all those who have made this brochure ·~.'
possible through various efforts.