...DEFINITION Trade unions are independent organisations that represent workers to their employers. If you join a trade union, you are joining a group that will negotiate workplace issues such as salary, hours of work, and other conditions, on your behalf. HISTORY OF TRADE UNIONS Trade unions began in the 1880s and were legally reserved for whites only in South Africa. Organizations such as the South African Confederation of Labour (SACoL) supported employment policies that favoured white workers. In 1917 the Industrial Workers of Africa (IWA) was the first trade union established to uplift black workers. In 1919 IWA merged with the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of Africa (ICU), formed in 1919, in 1920. By the 1930s the South African...
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...supply of labour is problematic.” (Finnemore, 2013). Based on the statements above, present a detailed discussion on trade unions. Your discussion should include reasons why employees join trade unions, goals on trade unions, trade union structure and organisational effectiveness and closed shop and agency shop agreements. Darryl John Iyaloo Human Resource Management 311 (BBA) 28 April 2016 ABSTRACT This paper provides a detailed discussion on the South African Trade Union Movement. Using the case study of The Marikana Fallout, this paper will attempt to unpack why employees join trade unions, goals of the trade unions, trade union structure and organisational effectiveness, closed shop and agency shop agreements. 1. Introduction 2. The South African Trade Union Movement: A Brief History 3. The Case of The Marikana Fallout 4. The Reasons Why Employees Join Trade Unions 5. Goals Of The Trade Unions 6. Trade Unions Structure and Organisational Effectiveness 7. Closed Shop and Agency Shop Agreements 8.1 Closed Shop Agreements 8.2 Agency Shop Agreements 8. Conclusion 9. References 1. Introduction As an upper middle-income country within Africa and the continent’s largest economy, South Africa often attracts specific interest in terms of its economic growth and development dynamics. This is of course also in part a function of the country’s...
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...HISTORY South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. It has a long history of conflict and human rights issues but it has always been one of the most economically prosperous nations in southern Africa due to its coastal location and the presence of gold, diamonds and natural resources. By the 14th century C.E, the region was settled by the Bantu people who migrated from central Africa. South Africa was first inhabited by Europeans in 1488 when the Portuguese arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. However, permanent settlement did occur until 1652 when the Dutch In following years, French, Dutch and German settlers began to arrive in the region. by the end of the 18th century the British controlled the entire Cape of Good Hope region. In 1961, South Africa became a republic after it withdrew from the British Commonwealth Four years later on May 10, 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africa's first black president and during his time in office he was committed to reforming race-relations in the country and strengthening its economy and place in the world. This has remained the goal of subsequent governmental leaders. ECONOMY South Africa has a mixed economy, the largest in Africa in terms of both nominal GDP (at $375.944 billion) and GDP atpurchasing power parity (at $608.804 billion). It also has a relatively high GDP per capita compared to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa ($11,750 at PPP as of 2012). Despite this, South Africa is still burdened...
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...RELATIONS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT Facilitator : Mrs Vanessa Botha Student Name : Carine Sanama Student Number: 1311024 Date : Monday 29 June 2015 Words Count: 1189 Table of Contents i. Executive Summary ii. Introduction and Background iii. Literature Review a. Definition of Terms b. The Evolution of the South African Labour Relations : Pre and Post-Apartheid c. The right to strike in South Africa : Legal VS Illegal iv. Discussions v. Conclusion vi. References Appendix 1 I. Executive Summary The rising number of labor strikes in South Africa should be a wake-up call the government. They should take the following into consideration so the improve on the country socio-economic state: First, look at labor markets with a renewed interest to revise laws governing the role and powers accorded to collective bargaining unions with a view to streamline them. Second, revise minimum wages, wage increases and dispute resolution policies in line with the latest economic developments in the country and international standards to ensure fairness and equity. Third, ensure that negotiations involving unions that represent essential emergency professionals do not break down and go to strike since people’s lives could be at stake. Finally, deliberately incorporate wage increase policies in the national budgeting process. These reforms would go a long way in minimizing the growing number of strikes in the country. II. Introduction and Background ...
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...Because of the competitive environment, the need to do the business internationally has increased. This paper provides the overview of the two countries i.e. china and South Africa. Broad description of the legal processes that were supposed to be followed by the company to initiate business in the China has been explained. Apart from this, the staffing of local and expatriate staff along with the labor organization and legislation of the foreign country has been described. Therefore, the paper provides detailed analysis of the conditions that should be kept in mind while establishing business in the foreign country. Introduction International business is a term, which is used collectively to describe issues relating to the firm’s operations with interests in numerous countries. These firms are sometimes referred as multinational corporations. The main area of concern in the international business is the cultural considerations. These considerations include dissimilarity in law and legal systems, living standards, language barriers, climate and many more (Cherunilam, 2005). All these issues need to be overcome for an MNC in order to obtain success in an overseas venture. Nationwide economic growth and globalization of the economy provide an outstanding background for businesses in China as compared to the South Africa. Nevertheless, the growth of the company and sustainability can be hampered by the factors like industry consolidation, economic reform and globalization. The project...
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...(2010) The role of South Africa in SADC regional integration: the making or braking of the organization∗ Saurombe Amos University of South Africa Sauroa@unisa.ac.za Abstract. The economic and political strength of South Africa in Southern Africa is undeniable. South Africa is the strongest economy in Southern Africa and in the whole continent of Africa. Regional and global interests lie at the heart of South African’s foreign policy resulting in the need to create compromises that may disadvantage the SADC block. South Africa is the current chair of SADC and its leadership role is critical. The country is also the gateway to foreign direct investment to the developing world. This paper seeks to discuss the critical position which South Africa finds itself in. The challenge to provide leadership at regional and global level has also been compounded by the domestic outcry for a need to deal with issues at home. South Africa holds the key for the success of SADC both at economic and political levels. However SADC’s dependence on South Africa may turn out to be a stumbling block since there is divided attention. This has been shown by South Africa’s ‘go it alone’ approach when it comes to negotiating trade agreements, e.g. with the EU, as well as its unwillingness to compromise on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that the other SADC Members States are signing. What is obvious is that SADC needs South Africa but at the same time South Africa is at liberty to choose...
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...A: THE ECONOMY: TRADE UNIONS [25] QUESTION 1 1.1 Trade union is an association or group of workers in any tradefor the purpose of protecting the interests of the workers. (2) 1.2 Name THREE of the largest trade unions in South Africa. (3) * COSATU- Congress of South African Trade Unions * FEDUSA – Federation of Unions of South Africa * NACTU- National Council of Trade Unions * COSAWU- Confederation of South African Workers` Unions 1.3 Strike is when workers stay away from work to force management to accept their demands(grievance). (2) Picketing is a form of protest in which people congregate outside a place of work or location where an event is taking place or Picketing, act of patrolling a place of work affected by a strike in order to discourage its patronage, to make public the workers' grievance (2) 1.4 Salary increase/ living wages, improvement of working conditions( hours of work/leave/ physical) (2) 1.5 List TWO responsibilities of trade unions in the table below...
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...REGIONALISM IN AFRICA : A PART OF PROBLEM OR A PART OF SOLUTION Margaret LEE AAPS INTRODUCTION Regionalism, as defined in this paper, encompasses efforts by a group of nations to enhance their economic, political, social, or cultural interaction. Such efforts can take on different forms, including regional cooperation, market integration, development integration, and regional integration. African leaders have long envisaged regionalism as a viable strategy to pursue with a view to uniting the continent both politically and economically. While regionalism in Africa has taken on different forms to accommodate the changing national, regional, and international environment, all organizations that aim to integrate regional economies in Africa have adopted market integration as a component of their strategy, with a view to increasing intra-regional trade. Market integration is the linear progression of degrees of integration beginning with a free trade area (or in some cases a preferential trade area) and ending with total economic integration. The model for such integration is the European Union (EU). Notwithstanding the fact that market integration has failed miserably on the continent,1 it continues to be highly regarded by most African leaders as a solution to Africa’ growing marginalization within the world economy. The creation of NAFTA s (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the movement toward EU monetary integration, only served to reinforce the commitment African...
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...The Role of Government The role of the South African government is to serve the needs of society: to keep order, to protect, and improve the country. The South African government has three levels: federal, provincial, and local, which is defined by the constitution as “distinctive, interrelated, and interdependent” (South Africa, n.d.) In Appendix B, a chart can be found that depicts the structure and functions of each level in more detail. In addition to the three levels of government, there is also an independent judiciary system that is in charge of regulating the compliance of laws and has the power bestowed to determine the merits of any case brought forth. Also, given South Africa’s extensive political history, there is an advisory body in which stems from South Africa’s traditional leaders. This is sometimes viewed with disdain and mistrust as some question the true importance and objectivity of these leaders, especially in terms of their influence in certain situations. (South Africa, n.d.) Given South Africa’s controversial history when it comes to civil liberties and political freedom among others, they have recently been attempting to change that image and become a more respective entity. They attempt to achieve this through many different initiatives, and by passing laws. One such initiative is in regards to child labour. “The largest factor in reducing child labor remained the government’s 250 rand ($35USD) per month Child Support Grant to primary care givers...
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...stratosphere, linking countries in a communal bond of trade. Designated as trade blocs, these bonds are a type of intergovernmental agreement, usually associated with geographically aligned intergovernmental confederations, “where regional barriers to trade, (tariffs, and non-tariff barriers) are reduced or eliminated among the participating states” (Boundless, n.d.). As such trade blocs enable politico-economic ventures to flourish in the benefaction of its member nations. Albeit, trade blocs also represent diverse forms of economic integration, markedly, the preferential trade area, free trade area, custom union, common market, economic union and complete political integration (“What are trading blocs?”, n.d.). Customarily, the preferential trade area denotes the lowest level of commitment to reducing tariff barriers; typically member nations reduce trade barriers sans eliminating any amoung themselves (Finance Train, 2012). Whereas, the free trade area exists under the terms whereby trade barriers are removed on all member country imports, whilst independent tariff policies for non-member imports are retained (Finance Train, 2012). Comparatively, within the custom union, trade barriers are not only removed on all imports from member states, but a set of common policies are authorized in dealing with imports from non-member countries (Finance Train, 2012). More so, in a common market, member participants eradicate internal trade barriers, endorse mutual policies concerning external...
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...Fogo de Ciao. These restaurants would not be offered in Denver Colorado without globalization. Globalization has increased greatly over the past century due to advancements in technology, particularly in transportation and knowledge sharing (internet). These technologies have ingrained globalization in the modern era. Regionalization is the economic integration of countries. Some good examples of these are the North Atlantic Free Trade Organization (NAFTA) and the European Union (EU). Both of these agreements take countries that are in similar regions and in certain economic ways. All countries in the EU have the same currency which creates certain benefits but has also created economic disaster for many countries involved. The goal of regionalization is to benefit all countries involved and become stronger globally as a whole. These two forces have had tremendous impact on the small African nation of Lesotho. Foreign influences have shaped Lesotho throughout history and currently determine their economic factors today. Most recently trade agreements have made Lesotho dependent on Chinese manufacturers’ (major imports) and major US clothing companies like Levi and the GAP(major exports). These agreements shape Lesotho’s whole economy including wages, employment/unemployment, and the health of citizens. Possible Industries Textile manufacturing provides most of the jobs for Lesotho citizens. Some other possible industries that could offer employment...
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...year of 2013 is the turning point for South Africa because of their economic growth. They believe that 2013 is the year of continent becomes a destination of choice for global choice. We have come to know that South Africa’s economies grown very strongly. On the other hand sub-Saharan economies such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Ghana, Cote d’ivoire, Kenya, Uganda; while countries of developing world facing economic uncertainty.The economic growth of South Africa is not only by its wealth of natural resources but also by its investments in agriculture and manufacturing. There are lots of opportunities for private sectors now in Africa. As because of Asia’s economies growth is slow and their labor wages rise therefore Africa will become the next preferred destination for labours intensive manufacturing of products such as garments sector. They are attracted by people for their low-cost and light manufacturing though it’s still important to need to work on their humanitarian interventions. Africa will emerge in a respected member of global community in few years. Their new mission will be how to do the work in development aid to attract more private sectors. Suddenly, Africa’s economies changed for their three reasons. First of all, global uncertainty continues to be the norm in 2013, trade and investment flows between Africa and BRIC (BRAZIL, RUSSIA, INDIA, and CHINA). The second reason is Africa promotes stronger economic ties at home (AFRICA). And the third aspect is Africa's economic...
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...BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as a new global growth engine, an alternative export market, and a key sourcing hub. The economic might of BRICS can be gauged from the fact that it accounted for 42.3 per cent of global population, 18.2 per cent (25.7 per cent on PPP basis) of global GDP, 17.8 per cent of FDI and 16.3 per cent of global trade in 2010. However, despite the existence of the huge trade (and investment) potential on account of similar consumer preferences, comparable per capita income, and often complementarities of resource endowment, the intra-regional trade among BRICS nations isn't even 10 per cent of their total trade. INDIA'S TRADE When it comes to India's trade (export and import taken together) with the BRICS, it has grown from roughly US$ 9 billion in 2000-01 to US$ 106 billion in 2010-11. As a result, its share in India's merchandise trade has almost doubled (from 9.4 per cent to 17.1 per cent) in this period. This is quite in contrast to the share of India's traditional trading partners — EU-27 and North America — which has declined from 36.5 per cent in 2000-01 to 22.6 per cent in 2010-11. When it comes to India's export, this decline (in the share of EU-27 and North America) is sharper i.e. 29.3 per cent in 2010-11 from 46.3 per cent in 2000-01. This underlines the growing importance of the BRICS region as a key export market vis-à-vis the developed markets. However, growth in India-BRICS trade isn't homogeneous across all member...
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... Slavery and the Slave Trade African Slave Trade: Conventional Dates – 1450 – 1867 Early controllers of the Trade: 1494 the Spanish turned to the Portuguese to supply slaves for their colonies. By the 17th C Northern European countries began to dominate the trade. 1621 Dutch West Indies Trading Company 1672 British Royal African Company (by the end of the 17th England dominated the trade.) The Scale of the Trade: Between 1492 and the end of the trade in 1867 Europeans transported a minimum of 10 million people in some 27,000 slaving expeditions – or some 170 slave ships per year. 50% mortality rate (rough estimate) About 95% of the captives were sent to the brutal tropical sugar growing regions of Brazil and the Caribbean. 40% Brazil 5-6% North America Before the trade picked up (1700) 2.2 million Africans had already been shipped to the Americas. The trade climaxed in the 1780s, when 80,000 Africans were shipped a year. 5/4 of all those shipped came in the 18th and 19th centuries. Three major areas in Africa supplied the bulk of the people transported to the US: Upper Guinea (Senegambia to Sierra Leone), Lower Guinea (the Gold Coast to the Bight of Benin), and Kongo-Angola (West Central Africa) About ¼ of those imported to North America came from the Kongo- Angola regions and another ¼ from the Bight of Biafra, and approximately 1/6 came from the Senegambian region. Three Stages of the Trade...
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.....12 Steel production and use: geographical distribution, 2003 ...........14 Steel production and use: geographical distribution, 2013 ............15 Apparent steel use, 2007 to 2013 ...............................................16 Apparent steel use per capita, 2007 to 2013 ............................... 17 Pig iron, 2012 and 2013 ..............................................................18 Direct reduced iron production, 2006 to 2013..............................19 Iron ore, 2012 .............................................................................20 World iron ore trade by area, 2013 ..............................................21 World trade in steel products, 1975 to 2013 .................................22 World volume of trade, 2000 to 2013 ..........................................22 World steel exports by product, 2008 to 2013 .............................23 World steel trade by area, 2013 ...................................................24 Major...
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