Retail | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the retail sector.
Retail | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Banking and financial services | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the banking and financial services sector
Banking and financial services | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Construction | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Construction | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Diversified Sector | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the diversified sector.
Diversified Sector | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Food and beverage | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the food and beverage sector.
Food and beverage | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Health | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the health sector.
Health | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Hospitality | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the hospitality sector.
Hospitality | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Industrial | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the industrial sector.
Industrial | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Mining | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the mining sector.
Mining | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Paper and packaging | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the paper and packaging sector.
Paper and packaging | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Technology and Telecommunications | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the technology and telecommunications sector.
Technology and Telecommunications | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Transportation | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the transportation sector.
Transportation | 2022 Sector Report Read More »
Inflation Monitor | November 2022
The annual inflation rate decreased to 7.4% in November 2022 from 7.6% in October 2022.
Inflation Monitor | November 2022 Read More »
RESOURCE: Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022
A resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.
RESOURCE: Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022 Read More »
Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022
A resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.
Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022 Read More »
Using C190 to support the struggle against homophobic and transphobic violence in the world of work
What will it take for trade unions to use ILO Convention 190 as a tool for protecting LGBTQ+ workers and young job seekers from discrimination and violence?
RESOURCE: LRS framework for negotiating conditions at work
Our framework for negotiating conditions at work provides a way to think about conditions at work in relation to collective agreements and labour laws. A must-read for worker representatives that want to establish minimum standards in more informal workplaces.
RESOURCE: LRS framework for negotiating conditions at work Read More »
Implementing C190: Lessons from South Africa on ending violence in the world of work
A conversation with Nosipho Twala, Gender Equality Educator and Researcher at Labour Research Service.
Implementing C190: Lessons from South Africa on ending violence in the world of work Read More »
Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace
The Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace forms part of the Employment Equity Act (EEA). The EEA is relevant to the implementation of South Africa’s obligations to ILO Convention 190 (C190).
Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace Read More »
Inflation Monitor | October 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.6% in October 2022 from 7.5% in September 2022.
Inflation Monitor | October 2022 Read More »
[PDF] Power Up Nutrition Series | Salt – A thin line between the good and the bad
The Power Up Nutrition Series comprises a set of eBooks exploring the links between food and nutrition. The eBooks can assist school communities looking to promote and support healthy nutrition and Volunteer Food Handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme.
[PDF] Power Up Nutrition Series | Salt – A thin line between the good and the bad Read More »
Everything you need to know about strikes
A step-by-step guide to planning an effective strike.
Everything you need to know about strikes Read More »
Mini Guide to ILO’s C190 and R206
ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the accompanying Recommendation No. 206 (R206) provide a common framework for ending discrimination, violence and harassment in the world of work.
Mini Guide to ILO’s C190 and R206 Read More »
What unions can do to make the protections in C190 possible
Convention 190 (C190) and the accompanying Recommendation No. 206 (R206) provide a common framework to stop violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.
What unions can do to make the protections in C190 possible Read More »
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2022
Five benchmarks to help trade union negotiators enter bargaining processes as informed role players.
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2022 Read More »
[PDF] Power Up Nutrition Series | Sugar – A sweet poison
The Power Up Nutrition Series comprises a set of eBooks exploring the links between food and nutrition. The eBooks can assist school communities looking to promote and support healthy nutrition and Volunteer Food Handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme.
[PDF] Power Up Nutrition Series | Sugar – A sweet poison Read More »
[PDF] Volunteer Food Handlers: The hands and feet of the National School Nutrition Programme
The work of feeding millions of learners must be seen as work deserving of recognition, value and appropriate working conditions and salary.
Future of work dictionary: The worker leader’s guide to the jargon
What do we mean by ‘industry 4.0’, ‘future of work’, ‘fourth industrial revolution and ‘gig economy? Know the key terms in shaping and negotiating the future of work.
Future of work dictionary: The worker leader’s guide to the jargon Read More »
Inflation Monitor | September 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.5% in September 2022 from 7.6% in August 2022.
Inflation Monitor | September 2022 Read More »
How reclaimers bargain | Struggles and successes of a worker organisation
Louis Mahlangu, Organiser at African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), speaks about the organisation’s collective bargaining experience. ARO is the first to unite workers in South Africa’s landfills and streets.
How reclaimers bargain | Struggles and successes of a worker organisation Read More »
Inflation Monitor | August 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.6% in August 2022 from 7.8% in July
2022.
Inflation Monitor | August 2022 Read More »
The essentials of collective bargaining in South Africa
The collective bargaining process comprises four main parts: preparation, negotiation, agreement and implementation. Know the steps to follow in each part of the process.
The essentials of collective bargaining in South Africa Read More »
Nine practical strategies for saving jobs at companies
Trade unions have the power to develop and adopt plans to save jobs. Here are some strategies for unionists to consider.
Nine practical strategies for saving jobs at companies Read More »
Research and strategy support for trade unions in Africa to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agreement
The trade union movement has the opportunity to participate in the negotiations, policy development and implementation processes of the AFCFTA agreement and advance the decent work agenda on the continent.
A trade union guide to ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206
Convention 190 and Recommendation No. 206 provide a common framework to stop violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment. This ITUC guide offers workers and their representatives a basic introduction to the ILO instruments.
A trade union guide to ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206 Read More »
Working against discrimination and homophobia in the workplace
INTERVIEW: FEDUSA’s Social Policy Officer, Brenda Modise, speaks about the federation’s efforts to popularise its LGBTIQ+ resolution, as well as the lessons learned in promoting the rights of workers who are LGBTIQ+. The Labour Research Service supports the efforts of unions to negotiate for inclusivity and against discrimination.
Working against discrimination and homophobia in the workplace Read More »
Tips for organising women in the informal economy
Some basic recruiting strategies for organisers that want to bring women workers in the informal into the trade union.
Tips for organising women in the informal economy Read More »
Inflation Monitor | July 2022
Annual consumer inflation increased to 7.8% in July 2022 from 7.4% in June. Transport, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and housing and utilities continue to place considerable pressure on the annual rate. Bread and cereals, oils and fats, fuel and electricity contributed notably to the reading in July.
Inflation Monitor | July 2022 Read More »
Domestic workers demand better access to social protection
Domestic workers’ organisations have ramped up advocacy for access to UIF and COIDA so that all workers are covered for future crises.
Domestic workers demand better access to social protection Read More »
Volunteer Food Handlers are the hands and heart of the National School Nutrition Programme
The work of feeding millions of children must be seen as work deserving of recognition and value. We need decent jobs for volunteer food handlers.
LRS WEBINAR: Negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination
This webinar is for working class leaders – gender coordinators, shop stewards, organisers, negotiators, and gender activists – that share a desire to protect and advance the right to equality for workers who are LGBTQ+.
LRS WEBINAR: Negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination Read More »
Feminist visions of the future of women’s work in Africa
12 key initiatives for mitigating the immediate negative impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) on women workers in Africa.
Feminist visions of the future of women’s work in Africa Read More »
Workplace rights belong to everyone
A step-by-step guide to negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination in the trade union and the workplace.
Workplace rights belong to everyone Read More »
A trade union guide for negotiating the future of work
Strategies that trade unions can adapt to be more influential in shaping and responding to the future of work.
A trade union guide for negotiating the future of work Read More »
Inflation Monitor | June 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.4% in June 2022 from 6.5% in May 2022.
Inflation Monitor | June 2022 Read More »
Healthcare workers at risk in a society that does not value the work of caring
Lessons from a pilot social action initiative to reduce violence in a health institution in Gauteng.
Healthcare workers at risk in a society that does not value the work of caring Read More »
Power Up! consortium intends to transform power in three key areas
In South Africa, the Labour Research Service supports volunteer food handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme to have their jobs made visible, recognised, valued and remunerated. Know more.
Power Up! consortium intends to transform power in three key areas Read More »
Can workers in Ghana’s manufacturing sector gain from the AfCFTA?
Our research shows real opportunities for Ghana to enhance its manufacturing capability and create jobs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. But for businesses and citizens to fully benefit, stakeholders must address some immediate risks.
Can workers in Ghana’s manufacturing sector gain from the AfCFTA? Read More »
Bargaining Benchmarks | July 2022
LRS Bargaining Benchmarks is for trade union negotiators. Our series of benchmarks will help the negotiator to enter into bargaining as an informed role player.
Bargaining Benchmarks | July 2022 Read More »
LRS snapshot: Industry wage settlements | Q1 2022
The mining and quarry sector recorded the highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q1 of 2022, at 8%. View our snapshot of wage settlements in selected sectors of South Africa’s economy.
LRS snapshot: Industry wage settlements | Q1 2022 Read More »
Education unions build momentum to end violence in schools in the time of covid-19
Here is the experience of Joan Aja, Gender and Resource Mobilisation Officer at Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU).
Education unions build momentum to end violence in schools in the time of covid-19 Read More »
Inflation Monitor | May 2022
The consumer price index accelerated to 6.5% in May 2022, from 5.9% in April.
Inflation Monitor | May 2022 Read More »
Trade union strategies for bargaining with foreign companies
In November, workers at Israeli-owned dairy company, Clover, went on a prolonged strike. In this video, Cynthia Joyce, National Sector Organiser at the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), notes four key lessons for worker organisations negotiating with foreign companies.
Trade union strategies for bargaining with foreign companies Read More »
14 steps trade unions can take to prevent discrimination against LGBT workers
Trade unions work to protect the rights of all members, including those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT). #PrideMonth2022
14 steps trade unions can take to prevent discrimination against LGBT workers Read More »
LRS Webinar Series | Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide
The Labour Research Service presented the first of a series of webinars on The Negotiators’ Guide to shop stewards, organisers and negotiators. View the webinar recording and resources.
LRS Webinar Series | Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide Read More »
Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide to working class leaders
Webinar presentation by Trenton Elsely, Executive Director of Labour Research Service. Get your copy.
Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide to working class leaders Read More »
Trade Unions Going Green – Environmental issues in the world of work
Trade Unions Going Green booklet seeks to encourage unions to initiate campaigns to address environmental issues in the workplace. The booklet will help to put unions in a position to engage in dialogue for sustainable development policies, while representing the interests and needs of workers.
Trade Unions Going Green – Environmental issues in the world of work Read More »
Wage Bargaining | Four lessons from trade unions in the public sector
Trade unions in the public sector want big changes in how the remuneration of their members is negotiated. In this video, HOSPERSA’s Chief Negotiator at the PSCBC, Suzan Ntlatleng, shares the key lessons learned during wage negotiations.
Wage Bargaining | Four lessons from trade unions in the public sector Read More »
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement
Digital technologies are reshaping the structure of the labour market and conditions of work. We can allow capital to do what it wants. Or we can start imagining a world where we set the parameters for what technology should be.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement Read More »
What to do about the lack of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement
Seven steps to ensure decent work in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
What to do about the lack of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement Read More »
Coming out at work: A practical guide for LGBT workers
Coming out at work can be daunting and risky for many LGBT workers. Know how to come out in a way that is right and safe for you.
Coming out at work: A practical guide for LGBT workers Read More »
A guide to negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination in the trade union and the workplace
An essential resource for trade union negotiators and activists.
Five tips for negotiating at informal economy forums
Collective negotiations can protect workers from the worst impacts of informalisation.
Five tips for negotiating at informal economy forums Read More »
Inflation Monitor | April 2022
The Consumer Price Index remained at 5.9% in April 2022, unchanged from March.
Inflation Monitor | April 2022 Read More »
The Real Economy Bulletin | Q4 2021
Produced by Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), this edition of The Real Economy Bulletin provides trends and data for GDP growth; employment; international trade; investment; FDI projects; and insights on the impact of the Ukraine war on South Africa’s economy and how to foster inclusive use of electric vehicles.
The Real Economy Bulletin | Q4 2021 Read More »
A trade union guide to retrenchment law and processes
Understanding retrenchment law is a base upon which worker leaders can build strategies for saving jobs and supporting workers when retrenchments are unavoidable.
A trade union guide to retrenchment law and processes Read More »
Six bargaining strategies for the future
Trade unions are not powerless when it comes to influencing the future of work and shaping the reality of work.
Six bargaining strategies for the future Read More »
Why it is necessary to support the National School Nutrition Programme and the work of the Volunteer Food Handlers
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a government programme that alleviates poverty and ensures that children have the right to nutritious food that supports their ability to learn.
What is happening with inflation, and what does it mean for wage negotiations?
The trade union negotiator’s checklist for dealing with inflation in wage increases.
What is happening with inflation, and what does it mean for wage negotiations? Read More »
Inflation Monitor | March 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 5.9% in March 2022, from 5.7% in February 2022. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 1.0% month-on-month in March 2022.
Inflation Monitor | March 2022 Read More »
Wage Bargaining Review | 2021
This report provides insights into wage trends across industries and unions to aid negotiators in preparing for bargaining.
Wage Bargaining Review | 2021 Read More »
Wage Bargaining Review | 2021
This report provides insights into wage trends across industries and unions to aid negotiators in preparing for bargaining.
Wage Bargaining Review | 2021 Read More »
Three steps to take and save jobs before the start of a retrenchment process
Trade unions can intervene and try to tackle problems in companies before a Section 189 notice is issued.
Three steps to take and save jobs before the start of a retrenchment process Read More »
What you need to know about negotiating better conditions at work
A framework for negotiating conditions at work, no matter where the workplace is located, no matter what the status of workers, and no matter how unorganised workers are.
What you need to know about negotiating better conditions at work Read More »
Five workplace problem scenarios and the labour laws to use
From retrenchment and unfair dismissal to discrimination and a company that makes unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of employment of workers, which labour laws for which problems?
Five workplace problem scenarios and the labour laws to use Read More »
How unions can support workers facing retrenchment
A trade union checklist if retrenchments seem unavoidable.
How unions can support workers facing retrenchment Read More »
Inflation Monitor | February 2022
Annual consumer inflation held steady at 5. 7% in February 2022, unchanged from January. But food and transport prices put upward pressure on the monthly rate, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the goods increasing by 0.6% between January and February.
Inflation Monitor | February 2022 Read More »
How to improve your power at the bargaining table and win favourable agreements
The process of negotiations forms the central part of collective bargaining. Here are the essential steps to follow.
How to improve your power at the bargaining table and win favourable agreements Read More »
Eight ways to build coalitions and make solidarity work in trade unions
Diverse coalitions hold great potential to further collective bargaining in a changing workplace. Learn the strategies for building successful alliances.
Eight ways to build coalitions and make solidarity work in trade unions Read More »
How to build a wage demand and calculate percentages and money amounts
This wage bargaining guide is for negotiators in all kinds of bargaining environments.
How to build a wage demand and calculate percentages and money amounts Read More »
11 steps you should take to prepare for wage bargaining
There are certain key steps to take when preparing for wage bargaining. From gathering information to developing positions to take into negotiations, learn how the effective negotiator approaches wage bargaining.
11 steps you should take to prepare for wage bargaining Read More »
Recruitment vs. Organising: What’s the difference?
The difference between recruitment and organising comes down to what a worker is likely to think about, feel and do. Learn more about the differences.
Recruitment vs. Organising: What’s the difference? Read More »
Inflation Monitor | January 2022
The Consumer Price Index eased to 5.7% in January of 2022, from a near five-year high of 5.9% in December. Prices slowed for transport and health but rose faster for food, housing and utilities.
Inflation Monitor | January 2022 Read More »
MNC Trends Report | 2021
The MNC Trends Report of the Labour Research Service provides information on the performance, operations and governance of 81 JSE-listed South African multinational companies. Trade unions use the information to improve their strategies for bargaining, alliance building and campaigns.
MNC Trends Report | 2021 Read More »
The LRS Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to organising in a changing workplace
This guide is for negotiators looking to renew their strategy and approach in the face of the ongoing reorganization of work, retrenchments and restructuring, and the increasing precariousness of being a worker.
The LRS Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to organising in a changing workplace Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 1 | An introduction to negotiations
The collective bargaining process comprises four main parts: Preparation, negotiation, agreement and implementation. Here are the steps to follow in each part of the process.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 1 | An introduction to negotiations Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 2 | Recruitment and organising
Recruitment and organising are two key processes in collective bargaining. Let’s recollect the differences between a worker that has been recruited and a worker that is organised through describing what each of these workers are thinking about, what feelings they might experience and how they might act.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 2 | Recruitment and organising Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 3 | Solidarity and coalitions
Eight ideas for building solidarity in and through coalitions to further collective bargaining in your organisation.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 3 | Solidarity and coalitions Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 4 | Using the law to support bargaining strategies
16 common workplace challenges and the labour laws that could help you deal with the situations.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 4 | Using the law to support bargaining strategies Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 5 | A framework for negotiating conditions at work
A way to think about conditions at work in relation to the collective agreement, and the benchmarks in South Africa’s labour law to help you establish a floor of minimum conditions. A must-read for worker leaders in more informal workplaces that are looking to establish minimum standards.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 5 | A framework for negotiating conditions at work Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 6 | An introduction to wage bargaining
An in-depth guide that shows you how to build a wage, the different approaches to dealing with inflation, simple formulas for calculating percentages and money amounts, and how to communicate with workers.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 6 | An introduction to wage bargaining Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 7 | Bargaining for gender equity
Collective bargaining is an important tool for addressing structural gender inequities in the trade union and workplace. Here are the important terms to know, specific bargaining demands for gender equity and a guide to the bargaining process.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 7 | Bargaining for gender equity Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 8 | Workplace rights belong to everyone
Know the words and terms to use when talking about equality, the legislation protecting workers from discrimination and how to support and protect LGBT members of the union.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 8 | Workplace rights belong to everyone Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 9 | Negotiating restructuring and retrenchment
Guidance on developing practical strategies for saving jobs at companies. Know how to: Identify the company in distress, decide on the most important interventions and minimise the impact of retrenchments when they are unavoidable.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 9 | Negotiating restructuring and retrenchment Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 10 | Trade Unions organising and bargaining in value chains
An introduction to the concept of value chains and value chain mapping to connect with workers that informalisation might have hidden from view.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 11 | Negotiating the future of work
Trade union strategies to shape and respond to the Future of Work and automation.
The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 11 | Negotiating the future of work Read More »
The Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to negotiating in a changing workplace
The LRS Negotiator’s Guide provides strategies to inspire, organise and represent workers.
The Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to negotiating in a changing workplace Read More »
Promoting the value of care work for a just and sustainable society
Advocacy by a group of Volunteer Food Handlers in Gauteng for recognition and rights as workers under the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) can potentially catalyse a national movement and positively impact the lives of the women who cook and serve food to learners.
Promoting the value of care work for a just and sustainable society Read More »
Transportation | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Transportation | 2021 Sector Report Read More »
Technology and Telecommunications | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the technology and telecommunication sector.
Technology and Telecommunications | 2021 Sector Report Read More »