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.
Tag: negotiate
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2 weeks ago
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.
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3 weeks ago
A review of minimum wages and conditions at work
In a new target, the National Minimum Wage Commission says the lowest-paid workers must get pay rises above inflation.
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4 weeks ago
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.
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1 month ago
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.
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2 months ago
What a 7.5% wage increase means for the lowest paid worker in the public sector
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.
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2 months ago
Resource: Inflation Monitor | February 2023
A simplified version of the latest inflation data to support negotiators and the bargaining process of the trade union.
Inflation Monitor | February 2023
A simplified version of the latest inflation data to support negotiators and the union’s bargaining process.
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3 months ago
A checklist for bargaining with companies
Trade union negotiators can prepare for negotiations by following these five steps for using company information.
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.
Inflation Monitor | December 2022
Our simplified version of inflation data in South Africa supports trade union bargaining.
Inflation Monitor | November 2022
The annual inflation rate decreased to 7.4% in November 2022 from 7.6% in October 2022.
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6 months ago
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.
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6 months ago
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.
Inflation Monitor | October 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.6% in October 2022 from 7.5% in September 2022.
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7 months ago
Everything you need to know about strikes
A step-by-step guide to planning an effective strike.
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7 months ago
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.
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7 months ago
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2022
Five benchmarks to help trade union negotiators enter bargaining processes as informed role players.
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2022
Five benchmarks to help trade union negotiators enter bargaining processes as informed role players.
Inflation Monitor | September 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.5% in September 2022 from 7.6% in August 2022.
Inflation Monitor | August 2022
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 7.6% in August 2022 from 7.8% in July
2022.
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.
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9 months ago
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.
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.
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10 months ago
Workplace rights belong to everyone
A step-by-step guide to negotiating for inclusivity and against discrimination in the trade union and the workplace.
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11 months ago
LRS Inflation Monitor | June 2022
Our simplified version of what is happening with inflation in South Africa.
Inflation Monitor | June 2022
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 7.4% in June 2022 from 6.5% in May 2022.
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11 months ago
Strategies to inspire, organise and represent workers
An introduction to The LRS Negotiator’s Guide | A video presentation of the leading ideas from each of the chapters of the Guide.
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11 months ago
Bargaining Benchmarks | July 2022
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.
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.
Inflation Monitor | May 2022
The consumer price index accelerated to 6.5% in May 2022, from 5.9% in April.
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12 months ago
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
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12 months ago
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.
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12 months ago
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
Workers’ Day 2022: In praise of worker leaders in South Africa and beyond
On this Workers’ Day, the Labour Research Service praises elected worker leaders and give a voice to these courageous comrades by sharing their stories of being a worker leader.
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1 year ago
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.
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
How unions can support workers facing retrenchment
A trade union checklist if retrenchments seem unavoidable.
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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1 year ago
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.
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.
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 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 4 | Using the law to support bargaining strategies
16 common workplace challenges and the labour laws that could help you deal with the situations.
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1 year ago
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.
Inflation Monitor | December 2021
The annual consumer price inflation was 5.9% in December 2021, compared with 5.5% in November. It’s the highest recorded annual rate since March 2017, when it increased by 6.1%. Transport prices increased by a massive 16.8%, on the back of rising petrol and diesel prices.
Inflation Monitor | November 2021
The Consumer Price Index increased to 5.5% in November 2021, compared with 5% in October. That’s the biggest annual increase in almost 5 years. The transport category contributed the most to the inflation in November, recording an annual increase of 15%.
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1 year ago
Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2021
Five bargaining benchmarks every trade union negotiator should know. The benchmarks will help you to enter bargaining processes as an informed role player.
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2 years ago
Addressing gender-based violence in the workplace
When stakeholders act collectively, it is possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in the workplace.
Inflation Monitor | October 2021
The Consumer Price Index came out unchanged at 5% compared to September. Food and transport costs are the biggest contributors to the rate, with the transport index increasing by 10.9% in October 2021 compared with October 2020. And the SARB has raised its main lending rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%, meaning the prime lending rate of commercial banks will increase to 7.25%.
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2 years ago
Workplace grievances: 10 steps to handle them effectively
A guide for shop stewards on how to solve workers’ complaints and maintain strong workplace unions.
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2 years ago
Bargaining at company level: A basic guide for shop stewards
Learn a step-by-step approach to successful bargaining at the company level. #goingbacktobasics
Inflation Monitor | September 2021
The headline inflation rose to 5% in September 2021 from 4.9% in August 2021. Food inflation is 7%, electricity 14%, and fuel almost 20%, with a large petrol price increase expected in November.
Inflation Monitor | August 2021
The term inflation means a sustained increase in the general level of prices of goods and services. The headline annual inflation rate increased to 4.9% in August 2021 from 4.6% in July 2021.
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2 years ago
Bargaining Benchmarks | September 2021
Our series of benchmarks will help trade union negotiators to enter into bargaining processes as informed role players.
Inflation Monitor | July 2021
The headline annual inflation rate declined to 4.6% in July 2021 from 4.9% in June 2021.
Inflation Monitor | June 2021
The headline annual inflation rate was 4.9% in June 2021, compared with 5.2% in May 2021.
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2 years ago
Bargaining Monitor – Wage outcomes in the past six months
Despite the state of the economy and the Covid-19 health crisis, unions have managed to negotiate above-inflation wage increases.
Inflation Monitor | MAY 2021
The headline inflation rate in May 2021 accelerated to 5.2 % year on year. The prices of food, transport, public transport and administered prices continue to drive inflation. Remember that inflation statistics refer to the past twelve months, while wage increases refer to the months to come.
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2 years ago
Trade union collective bargaining strategies for 2021
The LRS trade union collective bargaining strategy input looks at the minimum wage and settlement trends; the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and collective bargaining; the 2021 bargaining round; and bargaining for the future.
LRS collective bargaining input for 2021
Our trade union collective bargaining strategy input for 2021 looks at the minimum wage and settlement trends; the impact of Covid-19 on the economy and collective bargaining; the 2021 bargaining round; and bargaining for the future.
Inflation Monitor | April 2021
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 4.4% in April 2021 from 3.2% in March 2021. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.7% month-on-month in April 2021.
Inflation Monitor | March 2021
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 3.2% in March 2021 from 2.9% in February 2021.
Inflation Monitor | February 2021
The headline inflation rate slowed to 2.9% in February 2021 from 3.2% in January 2021.
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2 years ago
How to negotiate with employers during difficult times
The company you’re bargaining with is in a genuine crisis and can’t afford any salary increases. What should be in your counter-proposal?
Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2021
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
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2 years ago
Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2021
Our series of benchmarks will help trade union negotiators to enter into bargaining processes as informed role players.
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2 years ago
Questions and answers about the national minimum wage review – An interview with Trenton Elsely, Commissioner, National Minimum Wage Commission
“The minimum wage is a victory for ultra-low wage workers. We have an established floor where there was none before, and we can raise that floor and ensure that no worker is left behind,” says Trenton Elsely, Commissioner, National Minimum Wage Commission.
Inflation Monitor | January 2021
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 3.2% in January 2021 from 3.1% in December 2020. Food price slowed to 5.6%.
Inflation Monitor | December 2020
The headline annual inflation rate declined to 3.1% in December 2020 from 3.2% in November 2020. The Consumer price index increased by 0.2% month-on-month in December 2020.
Bargaining Benchmarks | December 2020
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
Inflation Monitor | November 2020
The headline annual inflation rate declined to 3.2% in November 2020 from 3.3% in October 2020. On a month-on-month basis the inflation rate came at 0% in November 2020 from 0.3% in October 2020.
Inflation Monitor | October 2020
The headline annual inflation rate went up to 3.3% in October 2020 from 3% in September 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.3% month-on-month in October 2020.
Bargaining for gender equity
Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace
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3 years ago
A step by step approach to collective bargaining for gender equity
Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace.
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3 years ago
Collective bargaining agreements during covid-19
Can trade unions continue to successfully negotiate protections for workers in uncertain times?
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3 years ago
COVID-19: Implications for healthcare workers
Nurses on the front lines of the health care response to covid-19 pandemic have found themselves in a tricky position, making difficult decisions about their own lives and that of patients.
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3 years ago
16 priority demands for collective bargaining
Worker representatives have identified the priority demands that will strengthen the collective bargaining agreements covering millions of workers in South Africa.
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3 years ago
Women workers in South Africa and the battle for equality
Twenty-five years after Beijing, there’s progress for women workers in South Africa but major challenges remain.
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3 years ago
Ideas for trade union growth in South Africa
National Negotiator at SADTU, Shiyinduku Twala, says trade unions need to adapt to the changing workplace if they hope to remain effective.
Bargaining Equality – Discrimination
A trade union checklist of the collective agreement language for bargaining LGBTI+ rights.
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4 years ago
Strong trade unions can help reduce inequality in South Africa
NUMSA negotiator, Oupa Sifume, says collective bargaining in South Africa is under attack and only strong unions can deliver on the mandates from workers to reduce inequality in our society.
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4 years ago
A band of male comrades united for women
FEDUSA’s Babongile Dumani is a male champion supporting the rights of working women in southern Africa.
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4 years ago
Creating a model inclusive collective bargaining agreement
What will it take to negotiate for all workers across formal and informal and workplaces taking into account their different needs, roles and identities?
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4 years ago
Organising young workers: How are unions faring in South Africa?
SACCAWU shop steward, Bongani Mkhize (35), has tips for organising and involving young workers in trade unions.
History of activism on LGBT rights in South Africa
South Africa’s Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Learn how we got here.
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4 years ago
Tell them you know how much the boss is really earning
South African MNCs in Africa: Bargaining with Multinationals guide shows union negotiators how to make better use of information on company revenue, profits and directors’ pay.
Financial reporting – 15 key terms to get you started
What do the terms ‘depreciation’ and ‘amortisation’ mean? What does a non-executive director of a company do? Our new guide contains some basic financial terms that every union negotiator needs to know.
South African Multinational Corporations in Africa: Bargaining with Multinationals
A step-by-step approach to using company information when preparing for bargaining processes.
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5 years ago
Tactics for successful union negotiations
What makes a good trade union negotiator? What makes a strong bargaining case?
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