APWU was formed on 19 July 2017 by the workers from Engineering, Construction and Transport sectors within Eskom Rotek Industries. They wanted a union that will focus on their current issues. The union was formed on the basis that it will not be affiliated with any political party and any trade union federation. Workers did critically analyses the modus operandi of the long-established unions and concluded that these unions have failed to serve their interest but used them as political objects. The disgruntlement due to lack of service has dramatically increased amongst the workers and they have realized that their subscriptions are not being valued.

APWU will in an effort to address the above workers issues; drastically reduce the monthly subscription paid by the workers, improve service delivery and stop the culture of using workers as political objects. APWU intends to assist workers from the plight of being overindebted and assist them in attaining financial freedom. APWU encourages workers to use the savings from the drastically reduced subscription for investment and to settle debts.

APWU shall be organising in all sectors within South Africa as per its constitution. APWU will establish working relationship with other trade unions and other organisations that share its vision, objectives and that are bias towards workers struggles within South Africa, African Continent and Internationally.

It is imperative to note that even though APWU is not affiliated with any political party; it does encourage its members to read, research and participate on broad political and socio-economic matters because they are directly and indirectly impacted by these matters on their day to day lives.

APWU seeks to bring about innovative and progressive means of improving workers working conditions including inter alia conditions of services, training, health and safety and any workers advancement. APWU is for the workers by the workers and led by the workers. It will bring services that will amaze the workers.

APWU shall ensure that workers that workers receive effective training and that the grants received by the employers from various SETAS are used for the real skills development that include inter-alia career development, entrepreneurial skills etc. Transformation will be prioritised.

APWU understands that these innovative and progressive will be met by resistance to change, unfounded criticisms that are intended to tarnish its image and to create a labour environment that will not be conducive to its operations. APWU is determined to withstand the challenges and emerge victorious.