Category: Articles

Cost of living in October

The consumer price index and selected indices for October 2023 to October 2024.

What workers can demand for a safer workplace

by Nina Benjamin collective agreements / GBVH / gender based violence and harassment / ILO Convention 190 / negotiation / Recommendation 206

The four phases of effective collective bargaining against violence, harassment, and discrimination in the world of work.

3 weeks ago

Care work and the family in capitalism

by Global Labour Column care work / domestic labour / feminism / reproductive labour / women workers

Why essential domestic labour remains largely uncompensated and gendered.

4 weeks ago

What do C190 and R206 expect from trade unions?

by Nina Benjamin GBVH / gender based violence and harassment / ILO Convention 190 / public sector

Four practical steps to address violence, harassment, and discrimination in the public sector using ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206.

4 weeks ago

What are the prices that are rising and falling the most?

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

Simplified inflation data for trade union negotiators.

2 months ago

Trade unions to stand firm against rainbow capitalism and anti-LGBTI+ backlash at the ILGA World Conference

by LRS homophobia / ILGA World Conference / ILO Convention 190 / inclusion and diversity / LGBTI workers rights / rainbow capitalism

“We cannot allow rainbow flags to cloak labour exploitation.”

2 months ago

Practical guide for implementing ILO Convention 190 in public sector workplaces

by Nina Benjamin GBVH / gender based violence and harassment / ILO Convention 190 / public sector

Ending violence and harassment in the world of work.

2 months ago

Trade unions gear up for AfCFTA first review

by Nelly Nyagah AfCFTA Protocols / AfCFTA review / decent work agenda / ETUC / international labour migration / labour provisions / social dialogue

Unions reflect on past negotiations and their trade positioning as the AfCFTA approaches its first review.

2 months ago

Inflation Monitor: How quickly are prices rising?

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

What has happened to inflation and selected sub-indices from June 2022 to August 2024.

2 months ago

“Men in hard hats” industrial policy limits women

by Nokwanda Maseko construction sector / gender equality / gender mainstreaming / industrial sector / mining sector

We must move beyond talk and take action to improve women’s participation in industrial policy and the economy.

2 months ago

The economy grew in the second quarter

by LRS employment / FDI / GDP / inflation / trade and investment

Here is what is really going on.

3 months ago

Five essential benchmarks for effective bargaining preparation

by George Mthethwa GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wage bargaining / wages

The Bargaining Benchmarks report is for trade union negotiators who want to be well-informed and effective in bargaining processes.

3 months ago

Understanding the two-pot system

by Nelly Nyagah impact / pension / provident fund / retirement fund reforms / savings / two-pot system

An explainer on the 2024 retirement fund reforms for worker representatives.

3 months ago

An intersectional approach to addressing GBV

by Zanele Chakela care work / gender based violence / school related gender based violence / social justice / women's leadership

A conversation with Nomancotsho Pakade, Research Manager at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation.

3 months ago

Women’s Day through the eyes of Volunteer Food Handlers

by Nelly Nyagah care work / gender equality / National School Nutrition Programme / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers / women's month

The undervaluation of care work is used to justify precarious employment for women workers in the National School Nutrition Programme.

3 months ago

The invisible struggles of women leaders

by Nina Benjamin care work / gender equality / transformative women's leadership / women's month

We advocate for transformative leadership to tackle systemic biases and entrenched masculine norms that marginalise women leaders.

3 months ago

Inflation data for trade union negotiators

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

What has happened to inflation and selected sub-indices from June 2022 to July 2024.

3 months ago

Aunty Bettie: a lifetime of fighting for women farm workers

by GroundUp farm workers / national minimum wage / organising / precarious employment / women's month / workers’ rights

“If you know your rights you can stand up for yourself.”

3 months ago

Unlocking the true value of women’s work in school nutrition

by Matshidiso Lencoasa and Nina Benjamin care work / gender equity / impact / National School Nutrition Programme / precarious employment / UIF benefits / volunteer food handlers / women's month

Recognising the work of the women who feed the learners in our communities is a powerful starting point in valuing care work in society.

3 months ago

The reclaimer advocate

by Nelly Nyagah GBV / organising / precarious work / reclaimers / women leadership / women's month

Eva Mokoena, Organiser at the African Reclaimers Organisation, discusses her journey as a reclaimer and feminist leader inspiring women in a male-dominated sector.

3 months ago

What can a worker expect from their employer if they are too sick to work?

by GroundUp CCMA / Labour Relations Act / unfair dismissal / workers’ rights

A recent ruling by the CCMA provides insight.

3 months ago

Women in Trade: Can the AfCFTA ensure empowerment and equality?

by Dr Hod Anyigba afCFTA / African continental free trade area / cross-border trade / gender equality / informal economy / Protocol on women and youth in trade / women in trade

Labour protocols that ensure inclusion and equity help distribute trade benefits fairly.

4 months ago

Women in the Just Transition: Risks and opportunities

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg climate change / climate justice / gender equality / green collective bargaining / green jobs / impact / just transition / women in energy

The transition to a greener and cleaner economy cannot be ‘just’ without ensuring that women are included in the process.

4 months ago

Mainstreaming gender in free trade agreements

by Nelly Nyagah afCFTA / Free trade agreement / gender mainstreaming / informal cross-border trade / informal economy / women in trade

Interview with Marie Thiam Soumaré General Secretary of the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Senegal and Continental President of the African Women Network of AfCFTA.

4 months ago

Principles for workers’ data privacy and protection

by LRS automation / data mining / future of work / technology / workers’ data rights

As employers increasingly use data for key decisions, unions demand transparency to protect the dignity and autonomy of all workers.

4 months ago

Leader helps Malawi women unionists to thrive

by Nelly Nyagah bargaining strategies / organising / parental leave / retail / women leadership development

Elina Nzumwa’s leadership journey is an inspiring example for all women in the labour movement as we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa.

4 months ago

The ILO offers official guidance on living wages

by Global Labour Column decent standard of living / decent work / living wage / wages

A living wage should allow a worker to lead a decent life.

4 months ago

Wage settlements at industries and bargaining councils

by George Mthethwa AWARD / bargaining councils / collective bargaining agreements / wages

In Q2 2024, median wage increases ranged from 4% to 8%, with Agriculture leading at 8.5%. The median increase across all bargaining councils was 6%, against a 5.1% inflation rate.

4 months ago

Using technology to amplify voices and effect change

by Nelly Nyagah care work / digital activism / gender inequality / poverty / precarious employment / social protection / unemployment / women's month

Thabisile Miya, Coordinator at Amandla.mobi, shares her journey in digital activism, promoting economic justice, rights, and dignity for society’s most vulnerable.

4 months ago

A simplified inflation data report for trade union negotiators

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

June issue of the LRS Inflation Monitor.

4 months ago

A trade union briefing on the AfCFTA negotiations

by Trenton Elsely AfCFTA agreement / AfCFTA negotiations / AfCFTA Protocols / rules of origin

To inform union strategies and AfCFTA advocacy in countries.

4 months ago

How cross-border trade can thrive under the AfCFTA

by Nelly Nyagah afCFTA / gender mainstreaming / informal cross-border trade / informal economy workers / labour migration / organising / social dialogue

Informal worker and leader Anthony Kwache discusses what it will take to ensure fair cross-border trade.

4 months ago

Imagine a world of work free from gender-based violence and harassment

by Nelly Nyagah feminist popular education / GBVH / gender based violence and harassment / ILO Convention 190 / school related gender based violence

Trade unions take action to ensure every worker is safe, valued, and respected in all aspects of life.

4 months ago

The meaning of ‘Climate Change’, ‘COP28’, and ‘Just Transition’

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg climate change / COP28 / green collective bargaining / just transition / social dialogue / sustainable development

Key terms you need to know in trade union advocacy on a greener future that protects workers.

4 months ago

Trade unions negotiating international trade

by Nelly Nyagah afCFTA / collective bargaining / decent work / Free trade agreement / impact / regional integration / social dialogue / trade and investment / trade unions in trade

The story of our work on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) so far.

4 months ago

2023 Annual Report

by Trenton Elsely climate and just transition / collective bargaining and organising / corporate governance and ethical investment / future of work / gig economy / informalisation / technology for trade unions / trade and investment / Transforming unequal gender relations in the world of work

Look back on the highlights from the last year and get inspired by worker organisations changing the world of work for good.

5 months ago

What can trade unions do about Africa’s growing sovereign debt crisis?

by Dr Hod Anyigba Bretton woods institutions / collective bargaining / economic crisis / inequality / social dialogue / sovereign debt.

A call to advocate for global financial system reforms to help African countries meet debt obligations.

5 months ago

Inflation report for trade union negotiators

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

A snapshot of inflation and some sub-indices from May 2023 to May 2024.

5 months ago

Advancing inclusion in the world of work through intersectional analysis

by LRS #pride2024 / discrimination / equity bargaining / homophobia / ILO Convention 190 / inclusion and diversity / LGBTI rights

LRS collaborates with unions to tackle the various forms of discrimination and inequality experienced by LGBTQ+ workers.

5 months ago

Leading and mobilising workers in a prolonged strike: Lessons from Kenya’s medical union

by IFWEA collective bargaining and organising / digital communication / online courses / Online Labour Academy / strikes / technology for trade unions

An organiser reflects on a 56-day strike by doctors in the public sector.

5 months ago

What’s really happening in the economy?

by Trenton Elsely employment / FDI / GDP / inflation / trade and investment

The TIPS Real Economy Bulletin should be compulsory reading for trade unionists.

5 months ago

Strengthening transformative women’s leadership development in the labour movement

by Nelly Nyagah Gender-inclusive leadership / Leadership journey map / transformative leadership practices / transforming women's leadership / unequal gender relations in the world of work

LRS has a global recognition in transformative leadership through an academic partnership.

5 months ago

Key benchmarks for effective bargaining

by George Mthethwa GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wage bargaining / wages

The benchmarks that will prepare worker leaders for bargaining processes.

6 months ago

What qualities should you look for in a shop steward?

by Nelly Nyagah electing shop stewards / negotiation skills workplace representation / shop steward qualities / worker leaders

A union member in a workplace can vote for a shop steward or nominate themselves. Here are the qualities of a good shop steward.

6 months ago

Industry wage settlements | Q1 2024

by George Mthethwa AWARD database / collective bargaining agreements / wages

A snapshot of wage settlements in selected industries.

6 months ago

What to do if you are sexually harassed at the workplace

by Nelly Nyagah GBV / gender based violence and harassment / sexual harassment / workers’ rights / workplace sexual harassment

Your rights, available support, and steps to take to address sexual harassment at work.

6 months ago

Power cuts have hit the labour market hard

by The Conversation energy / green transition / loadshedding / manufacturing / power cuts / unemployment / wages

The biggest toll has been on jobs, according to a new research.

6 months ago

What is an employment contract?

by LRS BCEA / employment contract sample / employment contracts / job seeker support / young women workers

What to expect on your employment contract, types of workplace contracts, and common pitfalls to avoid.

6 months ago

[LRS Podcast] Power and Politics: Navigating South Africa’s Electoral Landscape

by Trenton Elsely A Labour of Love / African National Congress / Election predictions South Africa / electoral law south africa / governance / LRS Podcast / South Africa election 2024

This is a Labour of Love – a podcast exploring the world of work for civil society and trade union actors in Africa. Episode 1 features the election in South Africa.

6 months ago

Inflation slows for the second month in April

by George Mthethwa CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / wage bargaining

The slight improvement in inflation informs our wage negotiations and expectations for adjustments.

6 months ago

Valuing care work: What are the prospects for women in the National School Nutrition Programme?

by Nina Benjamin care economy / care work / National School Nutrition Programme / precarious work / volunteer food handlers

Recognising Volunteer Food Handlers as deserving of decent work is an important starting point for establishing a society that truly values care work.

6 months ago

Managing retrenchments: How to negotiate workers’ rights

by George Mthethwa CCMA / labour disputes / Labour Relations Act / Negotiator's Guide / retrenchment / workers’ rights

Worker leaders must understand legal obligations, dispute resolution pathways, and the challenges and ideal outcomes when negotiating retrenchment.

6 months ago

Can minimum wages help reduce poverty under low compliance?

by The Conversation contract job / farm workers / minimum wages / poverty line

A study found that the 2013 hike reduced poverty in South Africa’s agricultural sector despite poor compliance.

6 months ago

Wage bargaining: Insights from NUMSA’s approach

by Zanele Chakela bargaining benchmarks / bargaining strategies / collective bargaining / collective bargaining agreements / wage negotiations

“We are worker-driven and mandate-driven. There’s nothing for us without us.”

7 months ago

Reclaimers play a key role in the fight against plastic pollution

by The Conversation green collective bargaining / just transition / occupational health and safety / reclaimers / waste pickers

Insights from South Africa into how their voices can be heard

7 months ago

Negotiating fairness, equity, and dignity in the workplace

by LRS Actual Wage Rates Database / collective bargaining / collective bargaining agreements / conditions at work / wage bargaining

Negotiators are better prepared to secure favourable outcomes by understanding conditions at work, minimum standards, and collective agreements.

7 months ago

The information required to prepare for wage bargaining and where to find it

by LRS Actual Wage Rates Database / collective bargaining agreements / wage bargaining / wage bargaining review

A wage demand will be more persuasive if there is evidence that it is reasonable.

7 months ago

Five trade union demands for the AfCFTA

by Trenton Elsely afCFTA / cross-border trade / decent work agenda / labour provisions / regional integration / regional value chains / social dialogue / women in trade

We the affiliates of the ITUC-Africa understand the possibility of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. These are our demands.

7 months ago

Victory for retail union in Malawi negotiating parental rights

by Zanele Chakela breastfeeding policies / care work / conditions at work / gender equity / Malawi / maternity leave / parental leave / paternity leave

CIAWU secured four months of maternity leave and one month of paternity leave for non-birthing parents at Massmart.

8 months ago

What workers know, think, and feel about the AfCFTA

by ALREI afCFTA / collective bargaining / economic development / gender equality / informal economy / job displacement / sustainable development goals / trade barriers

A recent study recommends actions trade unions can take to engage workers in decent work campaigns under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

8 months ago

Wage bargaining outcomes in 2023

by George Mthethwa Actual Wage Rates Database / collective bargaining agreements / wage bargaining / wage bargaining review

Wage analysis for industries and unions, covering 576 collective agreements and over two million workers earning the minimum entry-level wage or the lowest wage in the bargaining unit.

8 months ago

Fact sheet on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)

by LRS informalisation / National School Nutrition Programme / Power Up! / social protection / UIF benefits / UIF fact sheet / volunteer food handlers

Everything a Volunteer Food Handler should know about UIF benefits.

8 months ago

Access Granted – Volunteer Food Handlers secure UIF benefits in a successful campaign

by Nelly Nyagah care work / National School Nutrition Programme / social protection / volunteer food handlers / vulnerable work / women organising strategies

A group of Volunteer Food Handlers in Gauteng demanded that schools and the labour department ensure timely access to their UIF benefits.

9 months ago

The basic benchmarks a negotiator needs for the bargaining process

by George Mthethwa GDP / inflation / labour relations / unemployment rate / wage bargaining / wages

View the latest LRS Bargaining Benchmarks report.

9 months ago

Gig work in South Africa: Key insights and prospects for organising

by Trenton Elsely digital platforms and gig work / future of work / gig economy in South Africa / location-based platform work technology for trade unions / organising gig workers / uber drivers South Africa

How can we establish conditions within trade unions that make them a home for platform worker groups?

9 months ago

Actions we can take to stop GBVH in garment factories and clothing retail stores

by Nelly Nyagah garment manufacturing / gender based violence / ILO Convention 190 / participatory action research / retail clothing / workers’ rights

98% of women workers surveyed say they have experienced one or more incidents of gender-based violence or harassment.

9 months ago

Is it time to rethink how we approach collective bargaining?

by LRS Actual Wage Rates Database / collective bargaining agreements / wage bargaining / wage bargaining review

Wage trends for 2023 suggest the need for new approaches to collective bargaining.

9 months ago

Debunking some big and small myths about the national minimum wage

by Nelly Nyagah domestic workers / farm workers / national minimum wage / vulnerable work

More than six million people earning the national minimum wage will get a pay rise in March – a development that holds both promise and controversy.

10 months ago

Five essential resources for union negotiators

by LRS AGREED database / bargaining benchmarks / inflation / national minimum wage / sector reports / wage bargaining / wage calculator / wages

Refresh your knowledge and skills on wage bargaining using LRS resources created for trade union negotiators.

10 months ago

How to build a compelling advocacy campaign for a just transition in the energy sector

by Marie Daniel advocacy / alliances and coalitions / climate change / energy sector / green economy / just transition / renewable energy

Three things that can make or break a trade union campaign targeting different stakeholders.

10 months ago

Why empowered workers are vital for reaping the full benefits of AI

by Christy Hoffman automation / collective bargaining / future of work / technology

Employers should collectively bargain with workers to determine the risks of artificial intelligence and implementation and ensure any rewards are shared.

12 months ago

Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2023

by George Mthethwa GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wage bargaining / wages

Bargaining Benchmarks helps trade union negotiators to enter negotiations as informed and strategic role players.

1 year ago

A resource for trade union educators to inspire confidence and inclusivity in learning spaces

by LRS facilitation exercises / feminist popular education / women's leadership development

Use this facilitation exercise to create workshops where participants feel comfortable and supported.

1 year ago

Whose job will AI replace?

by The Conversation artificial intelligence / automation / future of jobs / future of work / retail

Here’s why a clerk in Ethiopia has more to fear than one in California.

1 year ago

Using the power of coalitions in trade union bargaining and advocacy

by LRS activism / coalition / intersectionality / movement building / solidarity / trade union development

Eight key actions that can create solidarity and make coalitions work.

1 year ago

“All parents of whatever stripe”: LRS as amicus curiae in a landmark equal parental leave rights case

by LRS care work / conditions at work / gender equity / labour law / maternity leave / parental leave / UIF

A change in the law on parental leave is imminent and likely to affect both maternity and paternity rights.

1 year ago

Access denied | A woman worker’s struggle for social protection

by Zanele Chakela care work / informalisation / Power Up! Initiative / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers

This video shows the stark realities of Elizabeth and Lehlohonolo, two working-class people who face an extraordinary challenge – access to their UIF benefits.

1 year ago

Equipping young women in the world of work

by LRS decent work / employment contract / gender equality / labour laws / young women workers

Young women workers are empowered in the world of work when they know and understand their rights and responsibilities.

1 year ago

Exploring the experiences of migrant male domestic workers in South Africa

by Nelly Nyagah care work / domestic workers / labour migration / labour rights / precarious work

A study on the experiences of ten male domestic workers from Malawi and Zimbabwe highlights how these workers use their agency to improve their working conditions.

1 year ago

Trade unions and the new economy: How workers are recasting their power in the digital age

by The Conversation casualisation / gig economy / informal workers / precarious work

Workers’ power is being recast as precarious workers in Africa experiment with new ways of organising in the digital age.

1 year ago

Informal economy workers in Ghana share their expectations of the AfCFTA

by Prince Asafu-Adjaye African continental free trade area / informal economy / Protocol on Trade in Goods / regional integration

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is a good initiative that is beyond our reach.”

1 year ago

Trade union inclusion strategies that create meaningful change

by Nelly Nyagah equity bargaining / ILO Convention 190 / inclusion and diversity / LGBTI workers rights

Grassroots activism helps to transform the United National Transport Union into a safe, inclusive and homophobia-free environment.

1 year ago

Building an AfCFTA trade union campaign in Nigeria

by Nelly Nyagah afCFTA / african trade and integration / labour provisions / Nigeria / regional integration

Trade unions advocate for an inclusive continental trade agreement that represents the interests of workers in Nigeria.

1 year ago

Creating a world of work free of gender-based violence

by Nina Benjamin feminist popular education / gender based violence / gender equality / violence and discrimination

Unions tackle GBVH with different approaches across domestic work, public health, education, garment manufacturing, and retail sectors.

1 year ago

VIDEO: A day in the life of Volunteer Food Handler

by Zanele Chakela care work / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers / vulnerable workers

We learn about the issues facing the workers who prepare and serve meals to learners under the National School Nutrition Programme through the eyes of Khuli Gumede, a Volunteer Food Handler in Gauteng.

1 year ago

Bargaining Benchmarks | September 2023

by George Mthethwa bargaining benchmarks / collective agreements / GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wages

A resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.

1 year ago

Labour laws every shop steward should know and use to represent workers

by LRS conditions at work / labour laws / Negotiator's Guide / wages

Using the law to support bargaining strategies.

1 year ago

Understanding value chains: A guide for shop stewards

by LRS global value chains / Negotiator's Guide / solidarity & alliance building

An introduction to value chains as a tool for trade unions to renew their bargaining and organising strategies.

1 year ago

Annual Report for 2022-23

by LRS 2022 Annual Report

Our Annual Report shows the different ways in which we work with and for the trade union movement to address the challenges facing our organisations and the world of work.

1 year ago

How parental social protection falls short for mothers

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg discrimination / domestic workers / gender equality / informal workers / maternity protection / social protection / UIF

Women are less likely to benefit from contributory schemes such as UIF and COIDA if they are linked to formal employment.

1 year ago

Women’s human rights in the informal sector

by LRS discrimination / gender based violence / gender equality / informalisation / national minimum wage / precarious employment / social protection

This Women’s Month, we advocate for better protection of women’s rights, especially in the informal sector, and celebrate trade unions that are working to improve the lives of many.

1 year ago

A trade union checklist for analysing trade agreements

by Nelly Nyagah afCFTA / agoa / labour provisions / regional integration / trade

Unions seeking to build organising and bargaining power along regional value chains need to be familiar with trade agreements to secure decent work.

1 year ago

VIDEO: Casual workers organise to claim their rights

by LRS organising strategies / precarious employment / vulnerable workers / women workers

Women casual workers talk about how they organised to fight for their right to permanent employment.

1 year ago

Bargaining with South African multinationals | The LRS Pick n Pay Company Report 2023

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg retail sector / shop stewards alliance / South African multinational companies

A more flexible workforce is likely to be a Pick n Pay response to cost pressures, and retail unions will actively seek appropriate compensation for their members.

1 year ago

How to approach the equity bargaining process

by LRS conditions at work / discrimination / equity bargaining / gender equality / gender mainstreaming / Negotiator's Guide

Equity bargaining is about ensuring that collective bargaining promotes equity in the workplace. Here’s how the union negotiator should approach equity bargaining.

1 year ago

Healthcare workers are at risk in a society that does not value the work of caring

by Nina Benjamin care work / collective impact initiative / feminist popular education / gender based violence / health sector

Lessons you can learn from our multi-stakeholder initiative to reduce violence and change perceptions about the value of care work and health workers.

1 year ago

Walking Alongside: A practice to transform unequal power relations

by Nina Benjamin feminist popular education / gender action learning / gender equality / organisational development

An LRS facilitator reflects on her work with Africa’s science granting councils to promote gender transformation in science, technology and innovation.

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