Search Results for: 3

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

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg bargain / future of jobs / retail sector / shop stewards alliance support / 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.

Inflation Monitor | June 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

The annual inflation rate decreased from 6.3% in May 2023 to 5.4% in June 2023. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.2% month-on-month in June 2023.

Inflation Monitor | May 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

Our simplified version of inflation data in South Africa for trade union negotiators.

RESOURCE: The Real Economy Bulletin | Q1 2023

by admin employment / GDP / inflation / manufacturing / trade and investment

The Real Economy Bulletin examines real economy trends, developments and data and is useful for negotiations and research.

RESOURCE: Bargaining Benchmarks | June 2023

by George Mthethwa bargain / GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wage negotiations / wages

This is a vital resource for trade union negotiators that want to enter bargaining processes as informed role players.

Bargaining Benchmarks | June 2023

by admin bargain / GDP / inflation / unemployment rate / wage negotiations / wages

Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.

Industry wage settlements | Q1 2023

by admin AWARD database / bargaining benchmarks / collective agreements / wages

Median wage increases for various industries, sample agreements on the Actual Wage Rates Database (AWARD) of the LRS.

Inflation Monitor | April 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

Annual consumer inflation fell to 6.8% in April from 7.1% in March. This is the lowest reading since May 2022.

5 months ago

Resource: Inflation Monitor | March 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

Inflation tells us something about the buying power of a worker. Effective negotiators need to ensure that workers get regular increases to maintain the buying power of their wages.

Inflation Monitor | March 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

Annual consumer price inflation was 7,1% in March 2023, up from 7,0% in February 2023. The CPI increased by 1,0% month-on-month in March 2023.

Resource: Inflation Monitor | February 2023

by George Mthethwa collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

A simplified version of the latest inflation data to support negotiators and the bargaining process of the trade union.

Inflation Monitor | February 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

A simplified version of the latest inflation data to support negotiators and the union’s bargaining process.

Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2023

by George Mthethwa bargaining benchmarks / GDP / inflation / inflation monitor / unemployment rate / wages

This report provides union negotiators with the benchmarks to enter bargaining processes as informed role players.

Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2023

by admin collective bargaining resource / GDP / inflation / inflation monitor / unemployment rate / wages

Benchmarks to help union negotiators enter negotiations as informed players.

Wage Bargaining Review | 2023

by George Mthethwa Actual Wage Rates Database / bargaining benchmarks / collective agreements / collective bargaining support / wage negotiations

How have unions fared at the negotiating table? Our wage outcomes report aims to inform trade union strategic bargaining in 2023 and beyond.

Wage Bargaining Review | 2023

by admin Actual Wage Rates Database / collective agreements / collective bargaining support / wage negotiations / wage outcomes

The Wage Bargaining Review helps the trade union negotiator to track and compare the unions’ performance against set bargaining benchmarks. View the collective bargaining outcomes across industries for 2021 and 2022 and compare wage settlements in selected unions.

Inflation Monitor | January 2023

by admin collective bargaining support / CPI / inflation / inflation monitor / negotiate

The average annual consumer price (CPI) fell to 6.9% in January 2023, with food inflation at its highest level in 14 years.

10 months ago

3% wage increase: What does it mean for the lowest-paid worker in the public sector?

by George Mthethwa bargaining benchmarks / collective bargaining / strike / wages

“We are no longer just fighting for a decent wage. We are fighting to keep the right to collective bargaining,” says trade unions protesting the government’s move to push through below-inflation wage increase.

The Negotiator’s Guide Chapter 3 | Solidarity and coalitions

by admin collective bargaining / Negotiator's Guide / trade union solidarity

Eight ideas for building solidarity in and through coalitions to further collective bargaining in your organisation.

Industry wage settlements in 2019 | Q3

by admin AGREED database / collective bargaining agreements / collective bargaining support / wages

The highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q3 of 2019 was recorded in the mining, quarrying, financing, insurance, real estate and business services industries, at 9%.

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q3

by admin AGREED database / collective bargaining agreements / collective bargaining support / wages

The highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q3 of 2018 was recorded in mining and quarrying industries, at 9%.

MNC Trends Report 2013

by admin company research / directors’ fees / MNC trends report / negotiate / shop steward alliance support / transforming corporate governance

The annual MNC Trends Report provides key information concerning the performance, operations and governance of JSE-listed South African multinational companies operating in Africa.

4 days ago

Trade union inclusion strategies that create meaningful change

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

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

6 days ago

Building an AfCFTA trade union campaign in Nigeria

by admin 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.

2 weeks ago

LRS insights on tackling gender-based violence in the world of work

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

Effective GBV strategies must work alongside shifts in workplace practices and policies.

2 weeks ago

VIDEO: A day in the life of Volunteer Food Handler

by admin organise / precarious employment / vulnerable workers / women organising strategies / women 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.

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.

Women’s human rights in the informal sector

by admin discrimination / gender based violence / gender equality / informalisation / labour law / 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.

A trade union checklist for analysing trade agreements

by admin afCFTA / 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.

VIDEO: Casual workers organise to claim their rights

by admin organise / precarious employment / vulnerable workers / women organising strategies / women workers

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

How to approach the equity bargaining process

by admin equity bargaining / gender equality / Negotiator's Guide / trade union strategies / wage gap

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

Walking Alongside: A practice to transform unequal power relations

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

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

Injured at work: How this trade unionist overcame adversity

by admin COIDA / domestic workers / impact / trade union strategies / UIF

Richard Njenjema (33) is an advocate for better access to social protection for domestic workers.

Trade union action on labour migration for Africa’s development

by admin afCFTA / labour migration / regional integration / trade / women in trade

Trade unions can help meet the challenges of free movement and free trade in Africa to benefit African workers and economies.

Tackling the huge pay gap in the public sector

by George Mthethwa collective bargaining / inflation / public sector / wage gap / wages

The 3% increase for office bearers is below average inflation, but what does it mean in Rand terms compared to the 7.5% increase for ordinary workers in the public service?

Automation, data mining and the future of retail jobs

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg automation / bargaining strategies / future of work / retail sector / South African multinational companies / technology

Automation and data mining in the context of workers’ data rights is a major concern for the future, and retail unions want to see a better balance between the use of technology and the protection of workers’ privacy and rights.

Framing a just transition for trade unions in Africa

by admin climate change / energy / just transition

How do we define a just transition? What steps can we take to make it more tangible?

Thinking about labour provisions and the AfCFTA

by admin afCFTA / africa / labour provisions / regional integration / trade

We support trade unions campaigning for decent work in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Negotiating inclusivity: The experience of a queer workers’ representative

by admin equity bargaining / gender based violence / ILO Convention 190 / impact / inclusion and diversity / LGBTI workers rights

Tumelo Mokoena (33) is a member of FEDUSA’s youth committee who says progressive workplace policies have contributed to a positive experience as a worker and trade union representative.

Six trade union responses to the impact of the AfCFTA in Namibia

by admin afCFTA / labour provisions / Namibia / regional integration / trade

These suggestions for dealing with the impact of the Continental Free Trade Area on jobs and employment can also help trade unions in other countries.

Using feminist pedagogy to transform a university trade union

by admin bargain / feminist pedagogy / gender equity / higher education / impact / organisation development / women's leadership development

Women leaders in the Academic and Professional Staff Association Union (APSA) are inspired to incorporate feminist principles, values and approaches into the policies and activities of the union.

Four reasons to use the LRS Agreements Database

by admin collective bargaining agreements / conditions at work / negotiate / wage bargaining

Sharing knowledge about successful negotiations and agreements can strengthen the overall position of workers and trade unions and lead to better outcomes for all.

Gender equality: What it is and how to achieve it

by admin gender equality / gender equity / gender mainstreaming / impact / inclusion and diversity / methodology

Learn what creating a culture of gender equality means for the Labour Research Service.

How trade unions can support Education Support Personnel

by admin education sector / education support personnel / Power Up! / trade union strategies / volunteer food handlers

Teachers’ unions are concerned about the exploitation of education support personnel, the lack of decent jobs and the violation of fundamental human and labour rights, including the right to organise and bargain collectively.

A review of minimum wages in South Africa

by admin domestic workers / farm workers / national minimum wage / wage outcomes

Increases in the national minimum wage were above inflation from 2021 to 2023, resulting in real wage increases of 1.3% in 2021, 1% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2023. The National Minimum Wage Commission gazetted a medium-term target that requires increases above CPI for the lowest paid workers.

5 months ago

What is the principle behind a condition at work?

by admin conditions at work / LRS framework / negotiate / Negotiator's Guide

Conditions at work always have a principle of wellbeing, fairness or a social value that underpins them. This principle forms the foundation of arguments in negotiations. Here are 15 main types of conditions at work and their value.

What a 7.5% wage increase means for the lowest paid worker in the public sector

by George Mthethwa collective agreements / negotiate / nehawu / public sector / wages

Public sector workers will continue to have a hard time making ends meet. The increase is only 0.5% above the current rate of inflation.

Strengthening collective bargaining is essential to counter the tactics of big business

by admin bargain / executive pay / Financial literacy / impact / retail / South African multinational companies

SACCAWU’s example shows how LRS member unions are getting better at using company information to win better outcomes for members.

Mapping the legal exclusion of domestic workers from labour law in Africa

by Ziona Tanzer africa / COIDA / domestic workers / labour law

An analysis of gaps in the regulation of domestic work in South Africa, Malawi, Mauritius, Lesotho, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Volunteer Food Handlers advocate to have their jobs made visible, recognised, valued and remunerated

by admin decent jobs / informalisation / National School Nutrition Programme / Power Up! Initiative / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers

At a media conference on 29 March, food handlers spoke about their campaign for decent jobs for the more than 60,000 workers recruited by the National School Nutrition Programme to prepare and serve meals in schools countrywide.

Building a campaign to recognise and value the work of Volunteer Food Handlers

by Nina Benjamin decent work / future of jobs / informalisation / Power Up! Initiative / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers

The workers who cook meals for millions of learners across the country are classified as volunteers and paid a stipend. Recruiting workers as volunteers has become another way of pushing women into unrecognised and low-paid work.

Trade unions and Trade: The four main issues for unions in Tunisia in the AfCFTA era

by admin afCFTA / labour provisions / regional integration / trade / tunisia

Research and strategy support for the trade union movement to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agreement.

AGREED: A database of collective agreements for bargaining and research purposes

by admin AGREED / collective bargaining agreements / conditions at work / wage bargaining

You have signed the collective agreement. You have shared it with your constituency and filed it safely for future reference. What if you could benchmark the agreement against agreements in other unions or sectors? You can do this and more with the LRS Agreements Database (AGREED).

A checklist for bargaining with companies

by admin conditions at work / Financial literacy / negotiate / South African multinational companies / transforming corporate governance

Trade union negotiators can prepare for negotiations by following these five steps for using company information.

Trade unions negotiating on environmental issues in the world of work

by admin climate change / decent work agenda / fourth industrial revolution / green collective bargaining / just transition / occupational health and safety

The ‘Trade Unions Going Green’ booklet is for workers’ organisations interested in the potential of a just transition. The booklet offers practical information for ensuring this for workers.

Time for transparency on executive pay in South Africa

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg company research / directors’ fees / executive remuneration / MNC sector reports / South African multinational companies / transforming corporate governance

Retail executives earn 700 times more than the lowest paid workers in their industry.

Trade unions and Trade: The possible effects of the AfCFTA on workers in Chad

by admin afCFTA / chad / labour provisions / regional integration / trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is unlikely to boost intra-trade in Chad, according to our study, which recommends several measures to promote development, growth and poverty reduction in the north-central African country.

How trade unions can support volunteer food handlers

by admin National School Nutrition Programme / Power Up! / precarious employment / trade union strategies / volunteer food handlers / women workers

As key players in the school community and in government consultative spaces, trade union activists can help to make visible the work of volunteer food handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme.

8 months ago

Bargaining with South African multinational companies: Sector and company performance reports

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg bargain / company research / directors’ fees / MNC sector reports / South African multinational companies / transforming corporate governance

How much does the CEO of your company earn? Is the company you work for making a profit? When negotiating, do the bosses accurately reflect the finances of the company?

10 months ago

Using C190 to support the struggle against homophobic and transphobic violence in the world of work

by admin equity bargaining / gender based violence / ILO Convention 190 / LGBTI workers rights / violence and discrimination

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?

11 months ago

VIDEO | What’s happening at Massmart?

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg massmart / MNC database / MNCs / retail sector / shop stewards alliance

The delisting of Massmart is bad news for workers and unions at the retail company.

11 months ago

What unions can do to make the protections in C190 possible

by admin gender based violence / harassment / ILO Convention 190 / negotiate

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.

11 months ago

Future of work dictionary: The worker leader’s guide to the jargon

by admin automation / bargaining strategies / fourth industrial revolution / future of work / gig economy / industry 4.0 / informalisation

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.

Community members rally to support volunteer food handlers and a return to traditional nutrition in schools

by Zanele Chakela community dialogue / decent work / National School Nutrition Programme / Power Up! / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers / women workers

What will it take to create collaboration among community stakeholders to advocate for the recognition and valuing of the work of volunteer food handlers?

Tunis declaration calls for the inclusion of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement

by admin afCFTA / Free trade agreement / labour provisions / regional integration / trade / trade liberalisation / Tunis AfCFTA statement

The Tunis declaration, adopted on 27 September by trade unions from 39 African countries, stresses the inclusion of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement to ensure compliance with international labour standards and the decent work agenda.

A personal perspective on parental leave

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg gender equity / impact / maternity leave / parental leave / social protection / workers’ rights

Trade unions must continue to demand adequate maternity protection, paid parental leave and other basic social protection measures for all working parents.

How reclaimers bargain | Struggles and successes of a worker organisation

by admin collective bargaining / impact / informal economy / organising strategies / precarious employment / waste management sector

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.

The essentials of collective bargaining in South Africa

by admin bargain / collective bargaining support / Negotiator's Guide

The collective bargaining process comprises four main parts: preparation, negotiation, agreement and implementation. Know the steps to follow in each part of the process.

Nine practical strategies for saving jobs at companies

by admin Labour Relations Act / Negotiator's Guide / retrenchments / trade union strategies

Trade unions have the power to develop and adopt plans to save jobs. Here are some strategies for unionists to consider.

Research and strategy support for trade unions in Africa to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agreement

by admin afCFTA / decent work agenda / labour provisions / regional integration / social justice / trade

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.

Finding a support system at work: My experience as a lesbian worker in the retail sector

by Nina Benjamin discrimination / equality / homophobia / inclusive workplace / LGBTI workers rights / LGBTI+ / retail sector

“I came out at home and then I came out at work,” says Sanna Patricia Sekaule (49), whose story illustrates the importance of family support and acceptance, and bringing your whole self to the workplace.

Working against discrimination and homophobia in the workplace

by admin discrimination / diversity & inclusion / homophobia / LGBTI workers rights / negotiate

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.

Tips for organising women in the informal economy

by admin informal economy / organise / trade union strategies / vulnerable workers

Some basic recruiting strategies for organisers that want to bring women workers in the informal into the trade union.

Domestic workers demand better access to social protection

by admin COIDA / domestic workers / labour laws / social protection / trade union strategies / UIF / vulnerable workers

Domestic workers’ organisations have ramped up advocacy for access to UIF and COIDA so that all workers are covered for future crises.

Ten articles to read in August

by admin conditions at work / decent work / gender based violence / gender equality

August is women’s month in South Africa, a time when gender equality and women’s empowerment take centre stage. The Labour Research Service stands with worker organisations that work tirelessly to advance women’s right to decent work.

LRS WEBINAR: Negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination

by admin equity bargaining / LGBTI workers rights / negotiating strategies / Negotiator's Guide

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+.

Workplace rights belong to everyone

by admin discrimination / homophobia / inclusive workplace / LGBTI workers rights / negotiate

A step-by-step guide to negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination in the trade union and the workplace.

Five trade union demands for mainstreaming gender in trade agreements

by Marie Daniel afCFTA / gender equality / gender mainstreaming / regional integration / trade

More action is needed to achieve equity, equality, non-discrimination and women empowerment in trade agreements. Here are five trade union demands for mainstreaming gender in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Digital labour platforms subject global South workers to ‘algorithmic insecurity’

by The Conversation gig economy / organising strategies / platform economy / uber

But platform workers are pushing back and demanding greater transparency and improved conditions.

Strategies to inspire, organise and represent workers

by Trenton Elsely bargain / collective bargaining support / negotiate / Negotiator's Guide / organise / trade union strategies

An introduction to The LRS Negotiator’s Guide | A video presentation of the leading ideas from each of the chapters of the Guide.

Can workers in Ghana’s manufacturing sector gain from the AfCFTA?

by admin afCFTA / Ghana / manufacturing / regional integration / trade

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.

Bargaining Benchmarks | July 2022

by George Mthethwa collective bargaining support / gross domestic produce / inflation / negotiate / unemployment rate / wages

LRS Bargaining Benchmarks publication is for trade union negotiators. Our series of benchmarks will help the negotiator to enter into bargaining as an informed role player.

Annual Report | 2021

by Trenton Elsely Annual Report / collective bargaining support / participatory education / promoting gender equality / research / transforming corporate governance

Over 30 years working for workers: See our programme work report for 2021 and financial statements.

Trade union strategies for bargaining with foreign companies

by admin bargain / clover strike / trade union strategies / wage negotiations

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.

14 steps trade unions can take to prevent discrimination against LGBT workers

by admin equity bargaining / homophobia / LGBTI workers rights / negotiate

Trade unions work to protect the rights of all members, including those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT). #PrideMonth2022

LRS Webinar Series | Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide

by admin bargain / future of work / LRS Webinars / negotiate / Negotiator's Guide / organise / trade union strategies

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.

Wage Bargaining | Four lessons from trade unions in the public sector

by admin bargaining levels / collective bargaining agreements / negotiating strategies / Negotiator's Guide / wage bargaining

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.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement

by admin decent work agenda / digital democracy / fourth industrial revolution / gender inequality / trade union strategies

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.