Inflation Monitor | April 2023
Annual consumer inflation fell to 6.8% in April from 7.1% in March. This is the lowest reading since May 2022.
Six trade union responses to the impact of the AfCFTA in Namibia
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
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
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
Learn what creating a culture of gender equality means for the Labour Research Service.
How trade unions can support Education Support Personnel
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
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.
What is the principle behind a condition at work?
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.
Resource: Inflation Monitor | March 2023
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
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.
Strengthening collective bargaining is essential to counter the tactics of big business
SACCAWU’s example shows how LRS member unions are getting better at using company information to win better outcomes for members.
Volunteer Food Handlers advocate to have their jobs made visible, recognised, valued and remunerated
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.
Inflation Monitor | February 2023
A simplified version of the latest inflation data to support negotiators and the union’s bargaining process.
Trade unions and Trade: The four main issues for unions in Tunisia in the AfCFTA era
Research and strategy support for the trade union movement to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agreement.
Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2023
Benchmarks to help union negotiators enter negotiations as informed players.
AGREED: A database of collective agreements for bargaining and research purposes
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
Trade union negotiators can prepare for negotiations by following these five steps for using company information.
Wage Bargaining Review | 2023
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.
Trade unions negotiating on environmental issues in the world of work
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.
Inflation Monitor | January 2023
The average annual consumer price (CPI) fell to 6.9% in January 2023, with food inflation at its highest level in 14 years.
Trade unions and Trade: The possible effects of the AfCFTA on workers in Chad
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
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.
[PDF] Power Up Nutrition Series | Proteins
The Power Up Nutrition Series comprises a set of eBooks exploring the links between food and nutrition. The eBooks can assist school communities and trade union activists looking to promote and support healthy nutrition and Volunteer Food Handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme.
MNC Trends Report | 2022
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinationals: A review of revenue, profits and executive pay for JSE-listed companies operating in 12 sectors.
NEW RESOURCE: MNC Trends Report | 2022
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinationals: A review of revenue, profits and executive pay for JSE-listed companies operating in 12 sectors.
Inflation Monitor | December 2022
Our simplified version of inflation data in South Africa supports trade union bargaining.
Retail | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the retail sector.
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
Construction | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Diversified Sector | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the diversified sector.
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.
Health | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the health sector.
Hospitality | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the hospitality sector.
Industrial | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the industrial sector.
Mining | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the mining sector.
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.
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.
Transportation | 2022 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the transportation sector.
Inflation Monitor | November 2022
The annual inflation rate decreased to 7.4% in November 2022 from 7.6% in October 2022.
RESOURCE: Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022
A resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.
Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2022
A resource for trade union negotiators in South Africa.
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.
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.
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).
How public sector trade unions can address GBV
Six actions that unions can take to build and improve their strategies for ending gender-based violence in their contexts.
Inflation Monitor | October 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.6% in October 2022 from 7.5% in September 2022.
[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.
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.
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.
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2022
Five benchmarks to help trade union negotiators enter bargaining processes as informed role players.
[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] 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.
Inflation Monitor | September 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.5% in September 2022 from 7.6% in August 2022.
Tunis declaration calls for the inclusion of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement
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.
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.
Inflation Monitor | August 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.6% in August 2022 from 7.8% in July
2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ten articles to read in August
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.
RESOURCES: Creating cultures of gender equality in the trade union and workplaces
Our collection of facilitation exercises is suitable for use by worker organisations involved in participatory education activities.
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+.
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.
Workplace rights belong to everyone
A step-by-step guide to negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination in the trade union and the workplace.
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.
Inflation Monitor | June 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.4% in June 2022 from 6.5% in May 2022.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Inflation Monitor | May 2022
The consumer price index accelerated to 6.5% in May 2022, from 5.9% in April.
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.
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
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.
Introducing The Negotiators’ Guide to working class leaders
Webinar presentation by Trenton Elsely, Executive Director of Labour Research Service. Get your copy.
Using the law to support bargaining strategies: Which labour law for which problem?
16 examples of challenges that negotiators might encounter.
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.
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.
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.
What to do about the lack of labour provisions in the AfCFTA agreement
Seven steps to ensure decent work in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
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.
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.
Inflation Monitor | April 2022
The Consumer Price Index remained at 5.9% in April 2022, unchanged from March.
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.
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.
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.
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.