Patrick Craven said that the three-yearly event was one of the "important milestones in South Africa's economic and political life".
He said the theme for the congress was "Consolidating working class power - for quality jobs - toward 2015".
More than 2 300 delegates from Cosatu's 21 affiliated unions were expected to attend the congress to be held at Gallagher Estates.
President Thabo Mbeki, deputy president Jacob Zuma and former president Nelson Mandela were also expected to attend.
The general secretary of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, Guy Ryder, was also expected to attend, as well as several other international dignitaries.
Cosatu president Willie Madisha would deliver his opening address on Monday, while Mbeki would address the congress at noon.
Craven said the increase in unemployment and poverty would be discussed, as well as the casualisation of labour and its effect on trade union membership.
The impact of globalisation, next year's election and the effectiveness of the tripartite alliance would also be discussed. – Sapa.
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