Transportation | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Technology and Telecommunications | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the technology and telecommunication sector.
Paper and packaging | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the paper and packaging sector.
Mining | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the mining sector.
Industrial | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the industrial sector.
Hospitality | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the hospitality sector.
Health | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the health sector.
Food and beverage | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the food and beverage sector.
Diversified Sector | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the diversified sector.
Construction | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Banking and financial services | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the banking and financial services sector.
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.
Seven labour laws every worker representative should know
An effective shop steward can identify key labour laws to support the union’s bargaining and organising activities.
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%.
Trade Unions and Trade: A Guide to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement
Despite the complexities associated with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the risks for workers and communities within such large-scale trade liberalisation, trade unions lack a well-formulated policy position on the agreement. Trade Unions and Trade: A Guide to the African Continental Trade Agreement aims to assist unions in developing their policy positions and to engage with the AfCFTA processes with confidence.
What will it take to create a successful national response to GBV in South Africa?
The recent crime statistics released by the South African Police Service show Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is devastatingly pervasive. Lindelwe Nxumalo, Women’s Rights Programme Manager at ActionAid, offers some actions for ensuring a successful national response to GBV.
How to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is manifesting in more subtle forms. Know more and protect your rights as a worker.
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.
Retail | 2021 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the retail sector.
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%.
Using labour laws in union bargaining: 12 possible workplace scenarios
Effective shop stewards use labour laws as a tool for organising.
The LRS MNC database: Keeping multinational companies in Africa accountable
The LRS Multinational Corporations (MNC) database tracks over 80 JSE-listed companies operating in 14 sectors. Find simplified financial information of the company. Monitor profit across the sector. Know how much the CEO was paid.
Recruitment vs. Organising: What’s the difference?
The difference between recruitment and organising comes down to what a worker is likely to think about, feel and do. Learn more about the differences.
Workplace grievances: 10 steps to handle them effectively
A guide for shop stewards on how to solve workers’ complaints and maintain strong workplace unions.
The world of work and Covid-19: Six important things to know
The impact of the pandemic on employment is worse than expected, says the International Labour Organisation in a new report.
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.
A decent standard of living costs R7 911
The Decent Standard of Living measure offers us a fresh way of looking at the living wage. This measure defines what makes a decent standard of living and it is made of the perceptions of our people. This measure is based on a set of 34 socially perceived necessities for a decent life. If you have these things, you have a decent standard of living.
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.
Organising and empowering young women workers
Our range of resources address the key workplace issues for young women workers and are useful for the union that wants to tap into the creativity and energy that empowered young women members can bring to the organisation.
Inflation Monitor | July 2021
The headline annual inflation rate declined to 4.6% in July 2021 from 4.9% in June 2021.
Bargaining with a gender equity lens – A resource for trade union facilitators and trainers
Our facilitation exercise will strengthen the ability of workshop participants to understand concepts and have the confidence to bargain with a gender equity lens. Get your copy.
The economic cost of sexual harassment in the workplace
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Johan Botes of Baker McKenzie explores the findings of a new report highlighting the economic costs of sexual harassment and suggests ways in which the situation could be changed.
Inflation Monitor | June 2021
The headline annual inflation rate was 4.9% in June 2021, compared with 5.2% in May 2021.
Value chain analysis as a tool for renewing trade union organising and bargaining strategies
Effective trade unions act at the local, sectoral and global levels. Learn the four elements to value chain mapping.
Gender equity and social dialogue | Facilitation exercise
Outcome: Strengthen our understanding of social dialogue in creating gender equity.
Women contributing to the economy | Facilitation exercise
Women feel more confident in participating in political economy discussions.
Bargaining with a gender equity lens | Facilitation exercise
Outcome: Strengthening our understanding and confidence in bargaining with a gender equity lens.
Trade unions and the struggle for gender justice | Facilitation exercise
Outcome: Reflection on our organisational policies and practices in relation to creating a gender-equitable trade union.
Women trade union leadership | Facilitation excercise
Outcome: Participants feel comfortable, supported and confident in participating in the workshop.
Resources for union facilitators and trainers
It’s proven that exercises and games activate our senses and increase creative learning of new concepts and understanding of ideas. Our collection of facilitation exercises will help trainers involved in participatory education activities for workers.
10 key findings from the 2021 Global Rights Index
Abuses of the right to strike, the right to establish and join a trade union, the right to trade union activities and civil liberties and the right to free speech and assembly are at an eight-year high, according to the ITUC’s annual Global Rights Index.
Health and safety training manual for union educators
This training manual can be used to support shop stewards in ensuring safety at the workplace during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
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.
Everything you need to know about strikes
Produced by Workers’ World Media Productions, this booklet is the complete guide to winning strikes. You’ll learn the strike laws and rights, tactics for strike organisers and anticipating the responses of bosses.
Winning Strikes – A guide to strike action
Produced by Workers’ World Media Productions, this booklet is the complete guide to winning strikes. You’ll learn the strike laws and rights, tactics for strike organisers and anticipating the responses of bosses.
Bargaining with South African multinational companies – Shoprite Checkers
INFOGRAPHIC: A quick recap of Shoprite’s finances 2020 and going into 2021.
Bargaining with South African multinational companies – Shoprite Checkers
INFOGRAPHIC: A quick recap of Shoprite’s finances 2020 and going into 2021.
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.
Pride at Work
A study on discrimination at work on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in South Africa. #PrideMonth
Worker rights: Wages and conditions of employment
A guide to finding out who is covered by bargaining council agreements, sectoral determinations and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Worker rights: Wages and conditions of employment
A shop steward’s guide to finding out who is covered by bargaining council agreements, sectoral determinations and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
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.
Resources for trade union facilitators and trainers
Access our collection of facilitation exercises suitable for use by worker organisations involved in participatory education activities.
Wage calculator – New LRS online tool for workers
Our new wage calculator will tell you how much a percentage increase is an amount of money and help you understand the effect of inflation on the wage increase.
Organising strategies: Using a global framework agreement to organise Shoprite workers
Can a global framework agreement help a union to organise? For Swaziland Commercial and Allied Workers Union, the answer is a resounding yes.
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: A review of revenue, profits and directors’ fees in the transport sector.
Basic guide to unfair labour practices
Identifying unfair labour practices – a quick recap of Section 185 of the Labour Relations Act.
Inflation Monitor | March 2021
The headline annual inflation rate increased to 3.2% in March 2021 from 2.9% in February 2021.
Bargaining Benchmarks – Directors’ Fees Edition
How do remuneration structures within companies exacerbate income inequalities? Our latest Directors’ Fees Report delves into the remuneration of directors in 78 South African Multinational Corporations and exposes the astronomical gap between the pay of bosses and their workers.
Inflation Monitor | February 2021
The headline inflation rate slowed to 2.9% in February 2021 from 3.2% in January 2021.
Building diversity and inclusion in trade unions and the workplace
What do we need to create safe and inclusive trade unions and workplaces free of homophobia? Trade union activists who have consciousness, passion, knowledge and skills to advocate for the rights of workers who are LGBT+.
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?
Trade Unions and Trade
Working together to strengthen the capacity of the trade union movement in Africa to engage on matters relating to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2021
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
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.
8 labour market trends for trade unions to watch in 2021
Some of the key areas trade unions can direct their energy and resources in 2021.
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%.
Transport | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the transport sector.
Construction | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the construction sector.
Retail | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the retail sector.
Food and Beverage | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the food and beverage sector.
Banking and financial services | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the banking and financial services sector.
Diversified Holdings | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for Diversified Holdings sector.
Education | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the education sector.
Hospitality | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the hospitality sector.
Paper | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the paper sector.
Industrial Sector | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the industrial sector.
Media Sector | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the media sector.
Health | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the Health sector.
Telecommunications | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the telecommunications sector.
Mining | 2020 Sector Report
Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: Revenue, profit and directors’ remuneration for the mining sector.
The new national minimum wage for South Africa is R21.69 per hour
The new minimum wage is R21.69 per hour, an increase of 4.5%. The minimum wage for domestic workers is still below the national wage at R19.09.
National Minimum Wage Act | Annual Review and Adjustment of the National Minimum Wage for 2021
The new minimum wage is R21.69 per hour, an increase of 4.5%. The minimum wage for domestic workers is still below the national wage at R19.09.
MNC Trends Report | 2020
The annual MNC Trends Report provides key information concerning the performance, operations and governance of JSE-listed South African multinational companies operating in Africa.
How teacher unions can prevent violence in schools in Africa
This document draws on the experience of nine education trade unions that want to end school-related gender-based violence in their contexts.
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.
Defining a just transition for sub-Saharan energy workers
A discussion paper of the Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Network (SSAEN). Conducted by the LRS, this research was initiated and supported by Industriall-Sub-Saharan Africa and FES-TUCC.
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.
Behavioural change in the workplace: Health and safety training manual for trade union educators
This training manual is for educators in unions to use as a guide for training and supporting shop stewards on staying safe in workplaces during Covid-19 and beyond.
Behavioural change in the workplace: Health and safety training manual
This training manual is for educators in unions, companies and other resource organisations to use as a guide to train and support employees, shop stewards and other worker representatives around staying safe in their workplaces during COVID-19 and beyond
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.
Online course: creating gender equality in the workplace
This online course designed by the LRS for the Online Learning Academy of International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA) is for activists who want to facilitate gender equality education programmes.
The future of retail in Africa
Our latest study on the future of Africa’s retail sector provides clarity and a way forward for workers and their representatives in trade unions organising in the sector.
Inflation Monitor | September 2020
The headline annual inflation rate increased at a slower pace of 3% in September 2020 from 3.1% in August 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.2% month-on-month in September.
Bargaining Benchmarks | October 2020
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
Inflation Monitor | August 2020
The headline annual inflation rate slowed down to 3.1% in August 2020 from 3.2% in July 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.2% month-on-month in August 2020.