scholarly journals Achieving "decent work" in South Africa?

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Tamara Cohen ◽  
Luendree Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
National Development ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
International Labour Organisation ◽  
Social Dialogue ◽  
Productive Work ◽  
The Creation

The fundamental goal of the International Labour Organisation is the achievement of decent and productive work for both women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The South African government has pledged its commitment to the attainment of decent work and sustainable livelihoods for all workers and has undertaken to mainstream decent work imperatives into national development strategies.  The four strategic objectives of decent work as identified by the ILO are: i) the promotion of standards and rights at work, to ensure that worker's constitutionally protected rights to dignity, equality and fair labour practices, amongst others, are safeguarded by appropriate legal frameworks; (ii) the promotion of employment creation and income opportunities, with the goal being not just the creation of jobs but the creation of jobs of acceptable quality; (iii) the provision and improvement of social protection and social security, which are regarded as fundamental to the alleviation of poverty, inequality and the burden of care responsibilities; and (iv) the promotion of social dialogue and tripartism. This article considers the progress made towards the attainment of these decent work objectives in South Africa, using five statistical indicators to measure such progress namely: (i) employment opportunities; (ii) adequate earnings and productive work; (iii) stability and security of work; (iv) social protection; and (v) social dialogue and workplace relations. It concludes that high levels of unemployment and a weakened economy in South Africa have given rise to a growing informal sector and an increase in unacceptable working conditions and exploitation. The rights of workers in the formal sector have not filtered down to those in the informal sector, who remains vulnerable and unrepresented. Job creation initiatives have been undermined by the global recession and infrastructural shortcomings and ambitious governmental targets appear to be unachievable, with youth unemployment levels and gender inequalities remaining of grave concern. Social protection programmes fail to provide adequate coverage to the majority of the economically active population. Social dialogue processes and organisational structures fail to accommodate or represent the interests of the informal sector. Until these problems are overcome, the article concludes, it remains unlikely that decent work imperatives will be attained.

scholarly journals Trade Union Transformation and Informal Sector Organising in Uganda: The Prospects and Challenges for Promoting Labour-led Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Gerhard Schminke ◽  
Gavin Fridell
Keyword(s):  
Informal Sector ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Trade Unionism ◽  
Informal Labour

Despite celebrations from governments, corporations and international financial institutions around increasing economic growth, the majority of the world’s urban labour force continues to work under informal conditions, lacking enforceable contracts, adequate earnings, democratic representation, secure employment and social protection. The pervasiveness of informal labour globally has given rise to numerous calls to adopt a wider and more diverse understanding of what constitutes labouring classes and what is required to organise them. Our case study assesses the outcomes and effectiveness of informal sector organising in Uganda, focusing on the transportation, market and textile sectors. Drawing on Guy Standing’s distinction between “business” and “community” unions and Benjamin Selwyn’s contrasting of “capital-centred development theory” (CCDT) and “labour-led development” (LLD), we argue that community unionist approaches are most effective in addressing the decent work deficit in the informal economy. Simultaneously, the trade unions face constant barriers to successful community organising in the informal economy that cannot be easily overcome without wider changes to the structural conditions under which union organisers must operate. KEYWORDS: Trade unionism; informal labour organising; labour-centred development; Uganda; decent work

scholarly journals FORMATION GENESIS AND MODERN CONTENT FOR THE CONCEPT OF DECENT WORK

2019 ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
I. Sakharuk
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Equal Rights ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
Social Dialogue ◽  
Productive Employment

The article is aimed at researching the concept of decent work as a strategic direction of the labour legislation development in XXI century. De- cent work is considered as the basis for sustainable development, overcoming poverty and income inequality. The author analyses the stages of formation and development of the concept of decent work in the International Labour Organization (ILO) activity. It also determines the content of the basic dimensions of decent work for ILO standards. There are such elements of the concept of decent work as the fundamental principles and rights at work, the promotion of productive employment, social protection, social dialogue. The need for defining qualitative and quantitative indica- tors to measure progress towards decent work in each country is emphasized. The need for decent work is especially relevant in the modern period, due to the deepening of the human-oriented approach to regulating rela- tions in the field of work. The broader content of the substance of social protection has been identified in comparison with national doctrine, includ- ing measures for social security and protection of workers, as well as working conditions. It is emphasized that nowadays the decent work is the safe work. It is concluded that social dialogue is the key to achieving the goals of decent work, balancing the interests of the state, employees and employers in the field of work. The article summarises scientific approaches to determining the content and objectives of decent work nowadays. The purpose of the concept of decent work is defined as ensuring productive employment, decent working conditions, and opportunities for professional and personal devel- opment of employees on the basis of equality, fairness and security. It is emphasised that the complexity of the concept of decent work, the realiza- tion of this concept will affect not only labour relations, but also at the standard of living of employees and society as a whole. The implementation of international standards for the decent working conditions, decent wages, ensuring equal rights and opportunities allows improving the well- being of employees, their economic status, and also affects the level of the country's economic development.

scholarly journals The Informal Sector and Economic Growth of South Africa and Nigeria: A Comparative Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Ernest Etim ◽  
Olawande Daramola
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Policy Incentives

The informal sector is an integral part of several sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries and plays a key role in the economic growth of these countries. This article used a comparative systematic review to explore the factors that act as drivers to informality in South Africa (SA) and Nigeria, the challenges that impede the growth dynamics of the informal sector, the dominant subsectors, and policy initiatives targeting informal sector providers. A systematic search of Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate was performed together with secondary data collated from grey literature. Using Boolean string search protocols facilitated the elucidation of research questions (RQs) raised in this study. An inclusion and exclusion criteria became necessary for rigour, comprehensiveness and limitation of publication bias. The data collated from thirty-one (31) primary studies (17 for SA and 14 for Nigeria) revealed that unemployment, income disparity among citizens, excessive tax burdens, excessive bureaucratic hurdles from government, inflationary tendencies, poor corruption control, GDP per capita, and lack of social protection survival tendencies all act as drivers to the informal sector in SA and Nigeria. Several challenges are given for both economies and policy incentives that might help sustain and improve the informal sector in these two countries.

Is growth improving employment quality in India? Evidence of widening subnational inequality

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-306
Author(s):  
Anamika Moktan
Keyword(s):  
Social Security ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Employment Opportunity ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
International Labour Organisation ◽  
Social Dialogue ◽  
Social Security Benefits ◽  
Employment Quality

One of the biggest challenges faced by India today is to generate quality employment. Even in areas of rapid per capita income growth, typified by the Gujarat model of neoliberal state-sponsored technological development, there is a substantial and increasing decent work deficit. Across India more generally, the decent work deficit is, in fact, growing along several dimensions, leading to ‘growth without development’ or ‘non-inclusive growth’. This article analyses quality of employment in India across subnational spaces – among states and between rural and urban locations – using three International Labour Organisation decent work dimensions: ‘employment opportunity’, ‘social security benefits’ and ‘social dialogue’. The analysis is based on published government data, for the period 1993–1994 to 2011–2012 – the period covered by the liberalisation experiment. The conclusion is that economic growth has not contributed significantly to employment quality. Although employment opportunity is significantly higher in the developed states, coverage of social security benefits and scope for social dialogue among regular salaried/wage workers are significantly less in these areas than in underdeveloped regions. Indeed, employment opportunity is significantly higher in rural areas, and the condition of workers in urban areas is not significantly better than in rural locations. Furthermore, over time, the difference in quality of employment across subnational spaces has either increased or remained stagnant. JEL Codes: J00, J81, J21, 018.

scholarly journals Editors comments Our Common Futures of Sustainable Work - Concluding Reflections

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-255
Author(s):  
Kenneth Abrahamsson
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Market Model ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Social Dialogue ◽  
The Social ◽  
Research Programmes ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth

These concluding remarks are divided into two sections and comprise both an overview of European policies on decent and sustainable work and a bird’s eye's view of the development of Swedish working life research in a European context. The concept of sustainable work has over the years encountered difficulties of being included in the Social Sustainability family. The launching of SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth with its focus on inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all has given sustainable work a new and stronger position as a vision for good work. The launching of the consultation of European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017 highlights the importance of future of work and welfare systems in Europe. The role of the social dialogue for sustainable and greener jobs are crucial in a future perspective.  Sustainable welfare, social protection and social equality are prerequisites for decent and sustainable work. Working life research in Sweden has over the years interacted in various manners with the European policy and research communities. The Swedish National Institute for Working Life, abolished in 2006/07 created several European encounters, early in the new millennium, and the idea of sustainable work did have Swedish roots. Horizon Europe, current research on the Nordic labour market model and various European platforms and networks opens new windows for the social dialogue on the future European workplace. This policy discussion is urgently needed in times of Covid-19, digitalisation, and the Green Deal and pave the way for new European research programmes. 

scholarly journals TOWARDS A LABOR RIGHT WITH A HUMAN FACE

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
Alberto Chartzman Birenbaum ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
National Development ◽  
Human Person ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
The Right ◽  
Human Faces

There can be no development without human rights, just as there are no human rights without development. Furthermore, peace and security are essential for development and respect for human rights. A phrase that sums up and frames very well what the 2030 Agenda means: a roadmap to the world that we want and that we are already building. To help stabilize an economic model in democracy that puts the human person at the center and promotes social inclusion must create conditions that allow decent work. The challenges posed by globalization need human faces for world, regional and national development, through the reaffirmation of essential and universal values. In this context, work constitutes an ethical value, a decisive and determining factor for production. From this premise arises the right to work as a source of personal dignity, family stability and consolidation of social cohesion. It synthesizes the aspirations of people during their working life. It means the opportunity to access a productive job that generates a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families; better prospects for personal development and social integration, and equal opportunities and treatment for women and men. Decent Work, that ethical-evaluative assessment designed by the ILO in the 90s at the 89th annual meeting, today in 2021 is still a search paradigm. We are convinced that the worker must be the central axis of the system, subject to preferential guardianship. For this we need all workers to respect their fundamental labor principles and rights, enjoy a fair income, a work environment without gender discrimination or of any other type, where social protection is provided.

scholarly journals The International Labour Organisation and the EU – Old Friends with New Goals

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
Kristina Koldinská
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
International Labour Organisation ◽  
Current State ◽  
History Of ◽  
State Of Affairs ◽  
Old Friends ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Labour Organisation

AbstractThe centenary celebration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is an ideal occasion to look at its current position, possibilities and challenges from the perspective of its long-lasting relation with the EU. This paper looks at the current state of affairs and how it has been achieved. It looks at the history of good cooperation of ILO and EU from the legal point of view highlighting some moments, when the ILO law has been ahead in social protection of workers, whilst showing that currently the EU is taking the lead in many fields. By commenting on recent basic documents of both the EU and ILO, the conclusion can be made that the solid and real interaction between both ‘legal systems’ can significantly contribute to more solidarity and decent work around the world.

Toward a Progressive Realisation of Socio-economic Rights in Ghana: A Socio-legal Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-113
Author(s):  
Nana Tawiah Okyir
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Social Movements ◽  
Supreme Court ◽  
State Policy ◽  
National Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Judicial Activism ◽  
Economic Rights ◽  
The Supreme Court

This article argues for the strengthening and entrenchment of socio-economic rights provisions in Ghana's jurisprudence. The purpose of this entrenchment is to engender judicial activism in promoting more creative pathways for enforcing socio-economic rights in Ghana. The article traces the development of socio-economic rights in Ghana's jurisprudence, especially the influence of the requirements of the international rights movement, particularly of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The article delves into the constitutional history of Ghana and its impact on the evolution of rights in the country. Of particular historical emphasis is the emergence of socio-economic rights under the Directive Principles of State Policy in the 1979 Constitution. However, the significance of the socio-economic rights only became profound with the return to democratic rule under the 1992 Constitution, again under a distinct chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy. However, unlike its counterpart, the chapter on the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms, which is directly enforceable, the Directive Principles of State Policy were not. It took the Supreme Court of Ghana a series of landmark decisions until finally, in 2008, it arrived at a presumption of justiciability in respect of all of the provisions in the 1992 Constitution. It is evident that prior to this, the Supreme Court was not willing to apply the same standards of adjudication and enforcement as it ordinarily applies in respect of rights under the chapter on Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. Having surmounted the non-justiciability hurdle, what is left is for the courts to begin to vigorously pursue an agenda that puts socio-economic rights at the centre of Ghana's rights adjudication framework. The article draws on comparative experiences from India and South Africa to showcase the extent of judicial creativity in rights adjudication. In India, the courts have been able to work around provisions restricting the enforcement of Directive Principles by often connecting them to Fundamental Freedoms. In South Africa, there is no hierarchy between civil and political rights on the one hand and socio-economic rights on the other; for that reason, the courts give equal ventilation to both sets of rights. The article further analyses these examples in the light of ongoing constitutional reforms in Ghana. It argues that these reforms fall short of the activism required to propel socio-economic rights adjudication to the forefront in Ghana's jurisprudence. In this regard, the article proposes social movements as a viable tool for socio-economic rights advocacy by recounting its success in previous controversial issues in Ghana. The article also connects this to other important building blocks like building socio-economic rights into a national development blueprint. Overall, the article calls for an imaginative socio-economic rights enforcement approach that is predicated on legislation, judicial activism, social movements and a national development blueprint aimed at delivering a qualitative life for the Ghanaian.

Can SPLUMA Play a Role in Transforming Spatial Injustice to Spatial Justice in Housing in South Africa?

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannie Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Land Reform ◽  
Spatial Planning ◽  
National Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spatial Development ◽  
Land Use Management ◽  
Spatial Justice ◽  
Spatial Environment

Our spatial environment is one of the most important determinants of our well-being and life chances. It relates to schools, opportunities, businesses, recreation and access to public services. Spatial injustice results where discrimination determines that spatial environment. Since Apartheid in South Africa epitomised the notion of spatial injustice, tools and instruments are required to transform spatial injustice into spatial justice. One of these is the employment of principles of spatial justice. While the National Development Plan (NDP) recognised that all spatial development should conform to certain normative principles and should explicitly indicate how the requirements of these should be met, the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA) contains a more concrete principle of spatial justice. It echoes aspects of both the South African land reform programme and global principles of spatial justice. Essentially section 7(a) of SPLUMA entails three components: (1) redressing past spatial imbalances and exclusions; (2) including people and areas previously excluded and (3) upgrading informal areas and settlements. SPLUMA directs municipalities to apply the principle in its spatial development frameworks, land use schemes and, most importantly, in decision-making on development applications. The aim of this article is to determine whether the application of this principle in practice can move beyond the confines of spatial planning and land use management to address the housing issue in South Africa. Central to housing is section 26 of the Constitution, that has received the extensive attention of the Constitutional Court. The court has not hesitated to criticize the continuing existence of spatial injustice, thus contributing to the transformation of spatial injustice to spatial justice. Since planning, housing and land reform are all intertwined not only the role of SPLUMA, but also the NDP and the myriad other policies, programmes and legislation that are attempting to address the situation are examined and tested against the components of the principle of spatial justice in SPLUMA.

Assessing social sustainability in the gig economy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muralidharan Loganathan
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Sustainable Development Goal ◽  
Development Goal ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
The World ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth

Sustainable Development Goal 8 to “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” necessitates country level measures across the world. We take forward a comparative analysis of India’s SDG 8 indicator list with both the UN and ILO measurements. We note inadequate measurements on social-protection and rights for non-standard forms of employment including gig work, that are intermediated by ICT platforms. From our analysis we identify some levers to broaden the current indicator measurements to include these non-standard workers as well, to improve social sustainability.

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