"KNOWLEDGE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO LEAVE IN THE HANDS OF THE BOSSES." Over 30 years working for workers
VISION
A labour movement that is part of a vibrant civil society that promotes egalitarianism.
MISSION
To conduct research, provide information and facilitate participatory education for trade union development.
ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES
To increase knowledge towards trade union development
To increase capacity to mobilise oneself and others
To increase the influence of oneself and others within the contexts we work
The Labour Research Service (LRS) is a membership-based labour support organisation established in 1986. We support the core functions of trade unions such as collective bargaining and organising and help to link unions with other role-players and constituencies. Our work influences policies that will enable workers to fully claim their rights. We support global union federations in building trade unions and trade union networks around multinational companies in Africa. We influence approaches to gender equality and gender-based violence in unions and within communities in South Africa and Africa. We work to develop new layers of worker leaders within trade unions and in so doing support the reproduction of these important organs of civil society.
Olof Palme International Centre
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung | Trade Union Competency Centre
International Labour Organisation
National Skills Fund/DHET
Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland (SASK)
The LRS is union-controlled, with 15 member trade unions representing over two million workers in South Africa. We work across federation lines, creating and supporting spaces that are inclusive and which emphasize commonality.
LRS MEMBER UNIONS
COOPERATION & PARTNERSHIPS
We've built strong links in various networks, including Government Departments and Commissions, International Solidarity Support Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, Non-governmental Organisations, Global Union Federations, academic institutions and the International Labour Organisation. We continue to cultivate new relationships with partners working in our thematic areas. We engage with a network of individuals who are able to contribute to LRS programme delivery and bolster our capacity.
LRS BOARD MEMBERS
Our board is elected at an annual general meeting. Our board members are a mix of trade union worker leaders and officials. There are currently six elected directors of the LRS and the executive director is an ex-officio director. The board of directors who serve without pay provide a critical oversight role and provide the LRS with a grounding in the trade union movement.
Current board members:
Mvovo, P (NUM); Gwebityala, M.P (FAWU); Klaas, F. (SACCAWU); Elsley T. H. (LRS); Marule, C. (NEHAWU); Matana, B. (SATAWU); Siyana, N. (NUMSA)
Registration number: 1986/002993/08 | VAT registration number: 4810105587 | Tax registration number: 945/0255/03/0 | NPO registration number: 050-326-NPO