| Labour Research Service

Decent standard of living (Infographic)

A crucial link exists between the right to a decent standard of life and the right to dignity, which is guaranteed in Section 10 of the South African Constitution.

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The national minimum wage | How to fight low pay in South Africa

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Trade unions in many countries have seized on the National Minimum Wage as a powerful weapon against low pay.

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Inflation Monitor | December 2018

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The headline inflation rate as measured by the CPI declined to 4.5% in December 2018 compared to 5.2% in November 2018. On average, prices increased by 0.5% between September 2018 and October 2018.

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Inflation Monitor | November 2018

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The headline inflation rate was 5.2% in November 2018, higher than 5.1% in October 2018. On average, prices increased by 0.5% between September 2018 and October 2018.

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Inflation Monitor | October 2018

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The headline inflation rate was 5.1% in October 2018, higher than 4.9% in September 2018. On average, prices increased by 0.5% between September 2018 and October 2018.

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Bargaining Indicators | 2017

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

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Bargaining Indicators | 2016

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2016 Read More »

Inflation Monitor | September 2018

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The headline inflation rate was 4.9% in September 2018, unchanged from 4.9% in August 2018 on average, prices increased by 0.5% month-on-month in September 2018.

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The Story of Letsema

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This paper looks at how the Letsema Project (a collective impact initiative) contributed to changing norms that reproduce gender-based violence in the Vaal in Gauteng Province of South Africa.

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Bargaining Indicators | 2015

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2015 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2014

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2014 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2011

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2011 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2009

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2009 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2008

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2008 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2007

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2007 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2005

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2005 Read More »

Bargaining Indicators | 2004

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Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.

Bargaining Indicators | 2004 Read More »

Inflation Monitor | August 2018

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The headline inflation rate in August 2018 was 4.9% year on year. On average, prices increased by 0.1% between August and July 2018.

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Bargaining Benchmarks | September 2018

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Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.

Bargaining Benchmarks | September 2018 Read More »

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q3

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

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q3 Read More »

Can we have zero percent violence in our communities?

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The latest crime statistics show our society is becoming more violent, and the poor are most affected. Unbowed by the violence, here’s how one community is responding.

Can we have zero percent violence in our communities? Read More »

Inflation Monitor | July 2018

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The headline Inflation rate in July 2018 was 5.1% year on year. On average, prices increased by 0.8% between July and June 2018.

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Inflation Monitor | June 2018

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The headline inflation rate in June 2018 was 4.6% year on year. On average, prices increased by 0.2% between June and May 2018.

Inflation Monitor | June 2018 Read More »

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q2

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The highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q2 of 2018 was recorded in the manufacturing industry, at 8%.

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Bargaining Benchmarks | June 2018

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Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.

Bargaining Benchmarks | June 2018 Read More »

Inflation Monitor | May 2018

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The headline inflation rate in May 2018 was 4.4% year on year. On average, prices increased by 0.2% between May and April 2018.

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Transforming power – A knotted rope

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Community activists in five organisations share insights and perspectives about the changes in their organisations and the constituencies they work with.

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Writing from the inside – Stories of change and hope

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Urgent priorities of organising can leave little time for activists to write or document experiences. The powerful stories in this book are the result of a writing workshop for assisting activists to find a voice and language to describe and express their experiences working to change gender relations in their organisations and communities in South

Writing from the inside – Stories of change and hope Read More »

Interview with Nyaniso Siyana, Chairperson of LRS Board

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Nyaniso Siyana is the chairperson of the LRS board. As a veteran unionist, we wanted to find out his thoughts on how our work is impacting our member unions

Interview with Nyaniso Siyana, Chairperson of LRS Board Read More »

How far have we come in Promoting Working Women’s Rights to Gender Equality and Decent Work?

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What will it take to end the challenges that devalue working women’s contribution to society?

How far have we come in Promoting Working Women’s Rights to Gender Equality and Decent Work? Read More »

Success Story – using a global framework agreement to organise Shoprite workers

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Can a global framework agreement help a union to organise? For Swaziland Commercial and Allied Workers Union, the answer is a resounding yes.

Success Story – using a global framework agreement to organise Shoprite workers Read More »

Inflation Monitor | April 2018

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The headline inflation rate at June 2018 was 4.6% year on year. On average, prices increased by 0.2% between June and May 2018.

Inflation Monitor | April 2018 Read More »

South African Multinational Corporations in Africa: Bargaining with Multinationals

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A step-by-step approach to using company information when preparing for bargaining processes.

South African Multinational Corporations in Africa: Bargaining with Multinationals Read More »

Strategies for ending school-related gender-based violence

Things we know about gender violence in schools

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School-related gender-based violence is rampant but preventable. Appalled, teachers are now out to change the story.

Things we know about gender violence in schools Read More »

Collective bargaining strategy and tactics

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A presentation on strategies and tactics for collective bargaining to worker representatives at an LRS Bargaining Forum in Johannesburg.

Collective bargaining strategy and tactics Read More »

Lekgotla’s: HOSPERSA’s journey to strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community

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The health trade union, HOSPERSA, mapped its journey strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community.

Lekgotla’s: HOSPERSA’s journey to strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community Read More »

Inflation Monitor | March 2018

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The headline Inflation rate at March 2018 was 3.8% year on year. The rate was 0.2% point lower than the corresponding annual inflation rate of 4 % in February 2018.

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From policy to programme: An empirical assessment of responses to HIV/AIDS in the workplace

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Is there evidence of practical measures for providing HIV/AIDS treatment in the workplace? The report explores how organisations have responded to the pandemic, as well as the relevant labour laws.

From policy to programme: An empirical assessment of responses to HIV/AIDS in the workplace Read More »

Inflation Monitor | February 2018

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined to 4% in February 2018.

Inflation Monitor | February 2018 Read More »

Inflation Monitor | January 2018

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The inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 4.4% in January 2018 from 4.7% in December 2017.

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Organising the hospitality sector in Namibia

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A report on the context, challenges and strategies of organising hotel workers in Namibia.

Organising the hospitality sector in Namibia Read More »

Organising in the Zimbabwe hospitality sector

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A report on the context, challenges and strategies of organising hotel workers in Zimbabwe.

Organising in the Zimbabwe hospitality sector Read More »

Organising in the hospitality sector in South Africa

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A report on the context, challenges and strategies of organising hotel workers in South Africa.

Organising in the hospitality sector in South Africa Read More »

Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2018

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Bargaining Benchmarks is a resource for role players in collective bargaining in South Africa.

Bargaining Benchmarks | March 2018 Read More »

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q1

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The highest percentage increase on actual wages in Q1 of 2018 was recorded in the transport, storage and communication industries, at 10%.

Industry wage settlements in 2018 | Q1 Read More »

MNC Trends Report 2016

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

MNC Trends Report 2016 Read More »

2016 Sector report – Transport

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the transport sector.

2016 Sector report – Transport Read More »

2016 Sector report – Training and Health

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the training and health sector.

2016 Sector report – Training and Health Read More »

2016 Sector report – Technology and Telecommunications

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the technology and telecommunications sector.

2016 Sector report – Technology and Telecommunications Read More »

2016 Sector report – Retail

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the retail sector.

2016 Sector report – Retail Read More »

2016 Sector report – Paper and Packaging

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the paper and packaging sector.

2016 Sector report – Paper and Packaging Read More »

2016 Sector report – Mining

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the mining sector.

2016 Sector report – Mining Read More »

2016 Sector report – Industrial

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the industrial sector.

2016 Sector report – Industrial Read More »

2016 Sector report – Hospitality and Media

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the hospitality and media sector.

2016 Sector report – Hospitality and Media Read More »

2016 Sector report – Food and beverages

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the food and beverages sector.

2016 Sector report – Food and beverages Read More »

2016 Sector report – Diversified Holdings

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the diversified holdings sector.

2016 Sector report – Diversified Holdings Read More »

2016 Sector report – Construction

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the construction sector.

2016 Sector report – Construction Read More »

2016 Sector report – Banking and Financial Services

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Trade union bargaining strategies in South African multinational companies: 2016 Fact Sheet – Revenue, profit and executive pay for the banking and financial services sector.

2016 Sector report – Banking and Financial Services Read More »

Creating a health system with zero percent GBV: Lessons from the meadowlands clinic pilot project

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The Meadowlands Clinic Pilot Project brought together all stakeholders involved in the health system in one locality to take up actions that will collectively impact on reducing the high levels of gender-based violence.

Creating a health system with zero percent GBV: Lessons from the meadowlands clinic pilot project Read More »

Decisions for life: Sharing our stories and strategies

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Young women involved in the Decisions for Life campaign in South Africa share their own stories and experiences making the trade union a home for young women.

Decisions for life: Sharing our stories and strategies Read More »

Decisions for life: Sexual harassment

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The Decisions for life: Sexual harassment booklet focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace and the protections available to workers.

Decisions for life: Sexual harassment Read More »

Decisions for life: Empowering women workers

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This booklet shows the impact of the Decisions for Life campaign on the lives of young women workers.

Decisions for life: Empowering women workers Read More »

Decisions for life: Decent work and contracts

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The booklet features examples of work contracts as well as basic workplace rights, to inform young women workers of their right to decent work.

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Decisions for life: Breastfeeding

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This booklet focuses on young working mothers and the challenges they experience trying to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

Decisions for life: Breastfeeding Read More »

Decisions for life: Campaign guide

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The Decisions for Life campaign builds the power of young women so that they are able to confront issues in the workplace and make decisions about their lives.

Decisions for life: Campaign guide Read More »

Ending gender-based violence in the health sector

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We support the efforts of trade unions in the health sector to end gender-based violence in the health system.

Ending gender-based violence in the health sector Read More »

MNC Trends Report 2013

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

MNC Trends Report 2013 Read More »

MNC Trends Report 2012

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

MNC Trends Report 2012 Read More »

National Minimum Wage

Environmental and CSI reporting in South African multinational corporations

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A review of company reporting practices with regards to Corporate Social Responsibility and the Environment.

Environmental and CSI reporting in South African multinational corporations Read More »

MNC Trends Report 2011

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

MNC Trends Report 2011 Read More »

Value chain analysis as a tool for renewing trade union bargaining and organising strategies

Value chains capacity building

Decent Standard of Living

Working together with communities to end gender-based violence

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We support the struggle by activists to create zero percent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities in South Africa.

Working together with communities to end gender-based violence Read More »

strategies for ending violence in schools in Africa

Working with teacher unions to end school-related gender-based violence

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What will it take to support education unions to end school-related gender-based violence? Labour Research Service supports the struggle by trade unions to end school-related gender-based violence in Africa.

Working with teacher unions to end school-related gender-based violence Read More »

Multinational Corporations Database

Shop Stewards Alliance Support

Working to strengthen women’s leadership in trade unions

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We support women leaders to strengthen their capacity for engagement in political, social and economic life to build a more equitable world.

Working to strengthen women’s leadership in trade unions Read More »

Collective Bargaining Support

Transforming Corporate Governance

Gender Equality

Decisions for life

Labour rights for women

Gender pay gap – can a national minimum wage help to narrow the gap?

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How can a National Minimum Wage contribute to narrowing the gender pay gap and moving us closer to gender equality?

Gender pay gap – can a national minimum wage help to narrow the gap? Read More »

Putting union gender equality policy into practice in South Africa- The role of transformational leadership

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This report explores the disconnect between trade union labour policy and practice related to gender inequality.

Putting union gender equality policy into practice in South Africa- The role of transformational leadership Read More »

PRIDE at Work

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A study on discrimination at work on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in South Africa.

PRIDE at Work Read More »

Equality is everyone’s business

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This booklet outlines the various laws relating to workplace rights and provides advice on preventing and responding to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equality is everyone’s business Read More »

Our hearts are joined: Writings from Letsema

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The stories in this book are written by the participants of Letsema, our inspiring collective impact initiative for ending gender-based violence in the Vaal in Gauteng province.

Our hearts are joined: Writings from Letsema Read More »

Towards a South African National Minimum Wage

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This booklet is an educational resource for trade unions on the important subject of a national minimum wage in South Africa.

Towards a South African National Minimum Wage Read More »

The sting in the tail – African retail unions organising at Shoprite

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Trade unions in the retail sector formed an alliance to respond to Shoprite’s expansion into Africa.

The sting in the tail – African retail unions organising at Shoprite Read More »

Shoprite – Reasons to be proud?

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This company analysis of Shoprite and its dealings with workers provides a resource base for regional trade unions to engage strategically with the South African retailer.

Shoprite – Reasons to be proud? Read More »

Pick n Pay – On your side?

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As Pick n Pay sets up to expand into Africa, it is essential that labour rights, good corporate governance and social responsibility move with it.

Pick n Pay – On your side? Read More »

Massmart/Walmart – are workers valued?

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The publication summarises our in-depth analysis of Massmart, including the degree of unionisation and other labour-related challenges for trade unions organising at the company.

Massmart/Walmart – are workers valued? Read More »