Abstract
Comparative studies on African trade unions are rare. However, as will be shown in this article, unions on the continent, specifically in Nigeria and South Africa, face similar obstacles and challenges. Although in different contexts, trade unions in Nigeria and South Africa both had to contend with the expression of colonialism and neo-colonial oppression in the workplaces. Post-independence, Nigerian unions had to mobilise against neoliberal policies, leading to confrontation with the dictatorship of the state. Similarly, in South Africa unions had to contend with workplace restructuring imposed by employees and the state in post-apartheid South Africa. Neoliberal attacks on workers and working conditions have also led to changes in the social composition of workers and the rise of precarious forms of work in both countries. Beyond that, union federations are also faced with fragmentation and division, weakening their position to challenge attacks on workers.