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.
Workplace rights belong to everyone – Addressing homophobia in the workplace
Practical guidance for engaging LGBTI issues in the workplace, particularly what can be done immediately to pave the way for broader engagements. [June is #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 in AfCFTA
Social justice and decent jobs in one African market: 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.
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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.
Consolidated Covid-19 directions on occupational health and safety measures | October 2020
The consolidated covid-19 directions replaced the covid-19 direction on health and safety in the workplace issued by the Minister of Employment and Labour in June 2020.
Bargaining for gender equity
Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace
A Guide to Winning Strikes
Trade unions in South Africa often use strikes to advance and defend the rights of their members. Learn how to plan an effective strike.
Bargaining at company level: A basic guide for shop stewards
A basic guide for new shop stewards to follow when bargaining at company level.
Inflation Monitor | July 2020
The headline annual inflation rate rose to 3.2% in July 2020 from 2.2% in June 2020. On average, prices increased by 1.3% month-on-month in July 2020.
Collective bargaining agreements during covid-19
Can trade unions continue to successfully negotiate protections for workers in uncertain times?
Women’s Month 2020: Putting care at the centre of the agenda
A conversation with Nina Benjamin, Leader of Gender Equality Programme at the Labour Research Service
Inflation Monitor | June 2020
The headline annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in June 2020 from 2.1% in May 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.5% month-on-month in June 2020.
Bargaining Benchmarks | July 2020
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
Inflation Monitor | May 2020
The headline annual inflation rate decreases to 2.1% in May 2020 from 3% in April 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.6% month-on-month in May 2020.
Industry wage settlements in 2020 | Q1
The highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q1 of 2020 was recorded in the construction sector, at 10%.
Education unions in Africa have strategies for dealing with school-related gender-based violence
It’s possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in our schools when stakeholders act collectively.
Working to end school-related gender-based violence: Writings by representatives of education unions from Eastern, West and Southern Africa
Inspiring stories written by participants in the Education Unions Take Action to end School-Related Gender-Based Violence initiative.
Inflation Monitor | April 2020
The headline annual Inflation rate decreased to 3% in April 2020 from 4.1% in March 2020. On average, prices increased by 0.5% month-on-month in April 2020.
School-related gender-based violence initiative: Profiling the participating trade unions
Nine member trade unions of Educational International in Africa participated in the ‘Education unions take action to end school-related gender-based violence’ initiative.
Strategies to end school-related gender-based violence
It’s possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in our schools when stakeholders act collectively.
Covid-19: Concession process for teachers with comorbidities
Public education sector unions signed a collective agreement on the procedures to follow when dealing with teachers who are at a higher risk of complications if they contract Covid-19.
June is Pride Month
Despite the progressive laws, workers who are LGBTI+ continue to experience violence and discrimination.
Covid-19 pandemic: a perfect storm for LGBTI youth
With the school closures, reduced support services and a lack of community support, these young South Africans are more vulnerable.
Holding a virtual board meeting during the covid-19 pandemic: How we did it
Trenton Elsely, Executive Director of Labour Research Service, speaks about organising the first-ever online board meeting of the organisation.
When the job hurts- Workplace injuries and disease among South Africa’s domestic workers
The Solidarity Centre report looks at the incidence of occupational injury and illness among domestic workers in South Africa.
The state of the labour market during Covid-19 | Address by the Director of CCMA
Answers to many of your questions about the operations of the CCMA during the covid-19 lockdown.
Emergency Online Solutions to the Covid-19 Pandemic for African Trade Unions
How are African trade unions responding to the Covid-19 pandemic? 10 key points in a new report
Inflation Monitor | March 2020
The headline annual inflation rate decreased to 4.1% in March 2020 from 4.6% in February 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.3% month-on-month in March 2020.
The covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the lopsided impact of the crisis on LGBT people in South Africa
Nkosinathi Zwane says the covid-19 pandemic has affected his small business and his dignity as a gay worker.
Inflation Monitor | February 2020
The headline inflation rate increased to 4.6% in February 2020 from 4.5% in January 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.1% month-on-month in February 2020.
Covid-19: The impact on small-scale fishers – A perspective from South Africa
How can workers in the small-scale fisheries industry be supported to thrive during the covid-19 pandemic and beyond?
COVID-19: Implications for waste reclaimers
The coronavirus pandemic has worsened the plight of waste reclaimers. Here’s how the government can support the workers helping to save up to R750m in potential landfill costs per year.
Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2020
Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.
Workplace preparedness guide for COVID-19 | Department of Employment and Labour Advisory
Here’s how workplaces in South Africa should respond to the coronavirus outbreak | Source: http://www.labour.gov.za/
How to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 crisis on informal sector workers
A network of organisations representing informal workers in South Africa wants the government to provide social and economic support to millions of workers in the informal sector amid covid-19.
Creating safe and inclusive trade unions and workplaces free of homophobia
What will it take to build LGBT inclusive workplaces in South Africa? We support the efforts of trade unions to build inclusive and safe workplaces where LGBTI workers feel free to claim their rights.
The impact of COVID19 on informal workers in South Africa
How to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 crisis on informal workers in South Africa.
Workplace preparedness guide for covid-19 | Department of Employment and Labour advisory
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires an employer to provide a safe working environment for employees.
Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 | A WHO advisory
The World Health Organisation and governments around the world have taken action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus: Getting Workplaces Ready
How to prevent the spread of the covid-19 in your workplace and the measures to take when travelling to work and organising organising meetings and events. Applying the OHS Act.
Inflation Monitor | January 2020
The headline inflation rate increased to 4.5% in January 2020 from 4% in December 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.3% month-on-month in January 2020.
Feminist visions of the future of work: Africa
The 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: Addressing homophobia in the workplace
Trade union and civil society activists in South Africa explore practical strategies for ending homophobia.
Sexual orientation draft code: Schools take responsibility to prevent discrimination
This booklet provides educators, parents and learners with a basic understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, with the objective of ending discrimination and prejudice in institutions of learning and society.