Next, the trade union federation threatened a general strike and few believe that the union is not being used by Mr Zeroual's enemies.

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And the AFL-CIO, the US trade union federation which is opposing the deal, said that the proposed enforcement mechanisms did not go far enough.

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The SACP and the trade union federation, Cosatu, have been among Mr Zuma's key supporters, and have also been strident critics of President Mbeki's economic policy.

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