The Trade Union UASA is registered at the Department of Labour as a trade union in accordance with the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as amended in 2002. UASA is the only trade union representing the interests of hair and beauty professionals. The main object of the Union is to look after the interest of its members and to foster a spirit of unison among workers in general. Conditions of employment and salaries are negotiated on behalf of members at the respective bargaining councils and negotiating forums where UASA is recognised.

CCMA and Labour Court cases are handled on behalf of members at the union’s expense by well-trained and qualified staff members. Retrenchment consultations are also taken care of. Legal assistance is provided in cases of members flowing from the execution of their duties. A number of legally qualified personnel who are in the full-time employment of UASA attend to these cases and subject to the merits of each case, external expert legal opinion and/or assistance may be obtained. Disciplinary/grievance assistance is provided to members who are either disciplinary charged/dismissed while on duty or who wish to lodge a grievance against a superior, by trained and experienced representatives at the union’s expense. Member representation is facilitated through democratically elected organising and representative structures. The UASA membership card provides access to all UASA professional services and benefits. UASA membership is available to all workers in South Africa working for reward. Members who join can enjoy the benefits and services of UASA by paying a monthly membership fee. With the UASA Maternity Leave benefit UASA acknowledges the wonderful contribution of women to society. More particularly, we give recognition to mothers giving birth to the most precious gift of all, a beautiful and healthy baby. Our recognition is by way of a maternity leave benefit of R 1 000, subject to terms and conditions.   UASA Study Grant Scheme Subject to the availability of funds, a total of ten (10) grants will be paid out per annum. Eight grants each worth R5000, 00 will be awarded to graduate students and two grants worth R2500, 00 each will be awarded to qualifying students at a technical college. The National Executive Committee of UASA retains the right to change the scheme in part or in total as and when it deems fit to do so without any prior notification. Grants will be awarded where students have successfully completed at least their first years’ study at an accredited learning institution and who can provide satisfactory proof of enrolment after the first semester of the following year. Applications: Advertisements will be placed in all official UASA modes of communication between January and March of each year. Closing date for applications shall be 1 April of each year and successful applicants will be announced on 1 May of each year.   At Marlicht, UASA’s own holiday flats in Margate, on the KZN South Coast, members can enjoy a well-earned rest and get 20% discount on accommodation.    Discounted Lifestyle offers web-based discounts on a variety of products and services.