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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.
Bargaining Indicators | 2015
Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.
Bargaining Indicators | 2005
Bargaining Indicators provides trade union negotiators with economic indicators and benchmarks useful for developing bargaining strategies.
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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).
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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.
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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%.
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The Future of Work: Covid-19 Edition
The covid-19 pandemic fast-tracked some of the predicted changes in the world of work. Learn what the changes may mean for workers in African multinational companies.
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Covid-19 vaccination: “But what if I don’t want to?”
The possible discriminatory consequences of a mandatory covid-19 vaccination policy at the workplace.
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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.
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Future of Work: How should we respond?
Some basic principles for unions to follow as they anticipate the impact of the changing nature of work on organising and bargaining.
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How to become an effective shop steward during the covid-19 crisis
The new workplace issues presented by the covid-19 pandemic require shop stewards to be proficient with the guidelines and direction for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
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
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Covid-19 support measures for workers in South Africa
Business as usual for trade unions went out of the window in 2020. Unions had to alter how they delivered value to their members and recruited new ones.
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The living wage is dead, Long live the living wage!
This one goes out to the trade unionists and anyone else who understands that what few gains the working class have made, they have made through struggle.
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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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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.
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The right way to handle retrenchments
It’s crunch time for trade unions as more workers face retrenchments by companies navigating the impact of the covid-19 pandemic. Here’s a recap of section 189 of the LRA to get you up to speed.
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Bargaining at company level: A basic guide for shop stewards
A basic guide for new shop stewards to follow when bargaining at company level.
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Collective bargaining agreements during covid-19
Can trade unions continue to successfully negotiate protections for workers in uncertain times?
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7 feminist books to read during August Women’s month
Here’s a collection of my favourite books written by women workers, survivors of gender-based violence, school girls and community activists. The writers’ reflections are powerful and empowering.
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ILO Convention 190: a game-changer in ending violence and harassment in the world of work
Participants at FEDUSA’s webinar on gender-based violence urged the government to ratify ILO C190 against violence in the world of work.
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The value of labour after the pandemic
Bárbara Figueroa, president of Chile’s Central Union of Workers, argues for the need to reflect on and review our practices as a labour movement and as a species.
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.
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.
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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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Workers hit hard in level three lockdown
Both private and public sector workers continue to bear the brunt of the Covid-19 lockdown, despite eased restrictions and some industries opening.
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UIF covid-19 relief fund: Using the law to get wins for workers
Vulnerable workers in South Africa face destitution in the absence of a viable channel for individual applications to the UIF’s covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme.
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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.
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June is Pride Month
Despite the progressive laws, workers who are LGBTI+ continue to experience violence and discrimination.
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How are African trade unions responding to Covid-19 pandemic? 10 key points in a new report
Practical suggestions for emergency online solutions for trade unions.
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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.
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Answers to many of your questions about the operations of the CCMA during the covid-19 lockdown
Do I require a permit to travel to the CCMA? Will cases be heard at plant level? What if my boss refuses to consent to online-based hearing? Get the answers to your questions straight from CCMA director, Cameron Morajane.
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Beyond covid-19 lockdowns
African countries must ensure functioning economies where jobs are secured and trade unions are fully involved in decision-making.
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Secure in insecurity: Organising workers in South Africa’s private security industry
Amazing things can happen when a diverse group of worker representatives is given a safe space to be themselves. A safe space is good for learning, trying new roles and building solidarity.
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Workers’ Day 2020
Workers’ Day 2020 message from the Executive Director of Labour Research Service, Trenton Elsely.
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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.
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Retail industry after covid-19
Economists have predicted massive job losses in South Africa due to covid-19 pandemic. But what does this mean for the retail sector?
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COVID-19: Implications for retail sector
As one of the few businesses allowed to operate in South Africa during the covid-19 lockdown, are retailers doing enough to ensure protection and fair compensation of workers?
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Double lockdown
How do we slow the spread of Covid-19 without shutting down the livelihoods of poor households?
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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.
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COVID-19: Implications for domestic workers in South Africa
At the mercy of their employers, domestic workers in South Africa have little legal recourse in cases of unfair and inhumane treatment.
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Covid-19 is locking down livelihoods
Support working class families in South Africa through the covid-19 pandemic.
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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.
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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.
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COVID-19 and world of work: Impacts and responses
The ILO’s preliminary assessment concerning the possible impacts of coronavirus on the world of work proposes a range of policy options to mitigate these impacts and facilitate strong recovery.
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.
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Coronavirus and workers in South Africa: Know your rights and responsibilities
The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and subsequent government reactions have both employees and employers uncertain. Know your rights as a worker.
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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.
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What have we learned about trade union organising in changing workplaces?
With the rising inequality in South Africa, strong trade unions are a force for good in society. Here’s why unions need to invest more in organising and recruitment.
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Recruiting workers to the trade union: Tips for organisers
Trade union recruitment in South Africa is lax, yet the strength of organisations largely depends on growing membership. Here’s an effective approach to recruiting members.
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Know your basic rights in the workplace
South Africa’s constitution and the various labour laws protect workers. Workers who know about their rights are better able to protect themselves. Know your rights.
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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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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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The role of teachers in preventing gender-based violence in schools
Teacher unions in South Africa are confronting school-related gender-based violence to restore a safe learning environment and the dignity of the teaching profession.
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The Death Sentence of Being a Girl Child in The Gambia
In The Gambia where the prevalence of female genital mutilation in women aged 15-49 is 74.9%, trade union activists are breaking the culture of silence to ensure the girl child is safe.
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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.
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A marriage not made in heaven
A trade union activist’s personal tragedy sparked a flame that’s helping to fuel the fight against school-related gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. #EndSRGBV
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A facilitator’s reflection on old methods and new lessons for ending school-related gender-based violence in Africa
Nina Benjamin, LRS Gender Equality Programme Leader, takes stock of her role supporting teacher trade unions in sub-Saharan Africa to create safe schools.
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A right to learn without fear: working to end school-related gender-based violence in schools
School-Related Gender-Based Violence is violence that undermines the bodily integrity, human rights, and gender equality of all those involved in the school but primarily that of the school child.
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Six ways to end gender-based violence
The root cause of gender-based violence is inequitable gender norms. What can you do to help end GBV?
A report of proceedings of the national minimum wage commission in South Africa
Trenton Elsely, LRS Executive Director and member of the National Minimum Wage Commission, reports on the proceedings of the oversight body.
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The fourth industrial revolution risks leaving women behind
South Africa’s labour market is more favourable to men than to women, and the fourth industrial revolution may widen the gap, writes Dr Rachel Adams, Research Specialist at Human Sciences Research Council.
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The Issue of Dignity in Health Facilities in South Africa
The key infrastructure challenges for community health care workers in South Africa who form part of the Ward Based Primary Health Outreach Teams.
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How does Massmart treat workers in Africa?
Trade unions in the retail sector in Africa have found ways of working together and with unions globally to ensure decent work in multinational corporations.
The future of work | Bargaining Indicators 2019
The story of how the future of work will look is still being written and trade unions in Africa must also wield the pen.
Wage bargaining review | 2017-2018
Trade unions negotiated above-inflation wage increases and raised the minimum wage floor across industries over the 2017/2018 period.
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Many jobs in South Africa could soon be automated, and the country isn’t prepared
Dr Daniel B. le Roux investigates the impact of automation on economies in the developing world.
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Ending violence and harassment in the world of work is a union issue
Trade unions campaigned for ILO Convention 190 on ending violence and harassment in the world of work. The challenge now is getting the governments to ratify the convention.
Organising at work | A guide for trade union activists
How should an organised workplace look like? Get this guide and learn how to build and maintain strong workplace unions.
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Where does the DSL come from?
We now have a socially derived definition of a decent standard of living (DSL) in South Africa. The DSL was developed using simple steps that included what ordinary people thought.
Inflation Monitor | July 2019
The headline inflation rate decreased to 4% in July 2019 compared to 4.5% in June 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.4% month-on-month in July 2019.
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Supporting collective bargaining for workers in precarious forms of employment
What will it take for worker leaders and the LRS to create resources that support collective bargaining for workers in precarious forms of employment?
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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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A life without struggle in South Africa is achievable
In among all the numbers, we have lost sight of dignity, and our value and worth as human beings. So how do we bring dignity back into the equation?
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Chinese multinational corporations in Africa: what’s the trade union response?
Trade unions in Africa are aware of the need to develop strategies for responding to Chinese multinational corporations operating on the continent.
Inflation Monitor | June 2019
The headline Inflation rate was 4.5% in June 2019. The food price increased to 3.2% in June 2019, from 2.8% in May 2019.
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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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Is this what a decent life looks like?
Despite a long-running debate on poverty and inequality in South Africa, we haven’t had a robust measure of what it is to live decently. Until now.
Inflation Monitor | May 2019
The headline inflation rate increased to 4.5% in May 2019 compared with 4.4% in April 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.3% month-on-month May 2019.
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Overlooked no more: Could this be the new reality for domestic workers in South Africa?
At the centre of a landmark court ruling last month was the rights of about a million domestic workers. Union leader, Pinky Mashiane (pictured, centre), says the road ahead is still long
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Wage negotiations in South Africa: what to expect in 2019-2020
2019-2020 period will see some key sectors involved in wage negotiations. George Mthethwa gives his take on union bargaining in the current context.
Inflation Monitor | April 2019
The headline inflation rate declined to 4.4% in April 2019 compared to 4.5% in March 2019. On average, prices declined by -0.1% month-on-month April 2019.
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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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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.
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What will it take to build LGBT inclusive workplaces in South Africa?
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers continue to experience discrimination, harassment and violence. How grave is the issue in South Africa? Learn more…
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Collective bargaining and gender equality in South Africa
What will it take for trade unions to make collective bargaining an active mechanism for the promotion of gender equality at the workplace?
Inflation Monitor | March 2019
The headline inflation rate increased to 4.5% in March 2019 compared to 4.1% in February 2019. On average, prices increased by 0.8% month-on-month March 2019.
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Handling grievances – tips for shop stewards
Defending workers from injustices and ill-treatment ensures union members remain interested and active.
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Inspiring women organising strategies – The mall Story
We’ve encountered great organising strategies used by women workers in the course of our work. Our member union, SACCAWU, managed to mobilise women working in shopping malls.
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The right answers on school safety
To prevent and end school-related gender-based violence in sub-Saharan Africa, teacher unions are collaborating to find solutions that can bring sustainable changes.
Inflation Monitor | January 2019
The headline inflation rate declined to 4% in January 2019, compared to 4.5% in December 2018. On average, prices increased by 0.5% between January 2019 and December 2018.
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The trade union response to workplace violence
Gender-based violence in the healthcare sector is a priority issue. How are unions in South Africa responding?
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Social norms are difficult to change, can collective impact help?
Against daunting odds, a remarkable exception has emerged in the Vaal region of Gauteng Province where community members are working together to end gender-based violence.
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The future of work in the retail sector
The story of how the future of work will look is still being written and unions in Africa must also wield the pen. Here’s what we know about this hot topic.