CONSAWU was launched in a National Congress held at Caesars Conference Centre on 8 March 2003. This was attended by more than four hundred delegates and guests from RSA and various parts of the world.
CONSAWU has a membership of 27 unions representing 290 000 workers in the following sectors: Public service, education, agriculture, fishing, retail, manufacturing, metal, building and construction, mining, transport, catering, health and welfare and security.