The Hospitality Industry and Allied Workers' Union (HIAWU) is a trade union representing workers in the hospitality sector in South Africa.
The union was founded in 1928, as the Natal Liquor and Catering Trade Employees' Union[1] affiliated with the South African Trades and Labour Council and grew slowly, reaching members by 1947.[2]
By 1962, the union had grown to 4,328 members, and was affiliated to the Trade Union Council of South Africa.[3] The vast majority of members were classified as "coloured" or "Indian", although a handful were white. In 1980, it was permitted to accept black workers as members.[4]
In 1986, the union was a founding affiliate of the National Council of Trade Unions.[5] The federation encouraged it to merge with the rival HOTELICCA union, while it also discussed a possible merger with the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union.[6] Ultimately, it instead remained independent, renaming itself as the "Hospitality Industries and Allied Workers' Union", and affiliated to the Federation of Unions of South Africa.[7]