The South African Correctional Services Workers Union

The South African Correctional Services Workers Union


In 2009 we saw the formation of a progressive, independent, militant, politically non-aligned, worker-controlled union – SACOSWU.


It is a democratic trade union for workers the South African Department of Correctional Services and private correctional institutions.


It was established after a third sell-out deal was signed, which sacrificed the poor workers to cover up the results of corruption. This followed Resolution 2 of 2009 deriving from Res 1 of 2007 and others before that.


We are proud founder affiliates of the non-corrupt and politically independent, South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU).


Who can join SACOSWU?


Any employee of Department of Correctional Services and Private Correctional institution can join SACOSWU, regardless of your race and political affiliation, as long as your are working in:


Management Area Head Quarters
Community Corrections
Regional Offices
Head Office
Correctional Centres


What is our status in DCS?


SACOSWU has a standing recognition agreement, confirmed by the Labour Appeals Court as being in order. The sell-outs have taken us to the Concourt but with or without a Concourt decision, wardens will do it for themselves.


What are our membership benefits?

We have shop stewards at our centres nationally

We take up your grievances

We fight unfair dismissal and discrimination

We represent you in disciplinary and appeal hearings as soon as you become our member.

We provide funeral benefits for you and your family without a waiting period