Trade Unions In An Emerging Economy: The Case Of South Africa

Haroon Bhorat, Karmen Naidoo and Derek Yu ()
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Derek Yu: Development Policy Research Unit

Working Papers from University of Cape Town, Development Policy Research Unit

Abstract: This paper provides a historical overview of the South African trade union movement, followed by a brief discussion of the labour market legislation and institutions formed since 1994. Thereafter, a detailed evaluation of the impact of trade unions, legislation, and institutions on labour market outcomes in South Africa is provided, and it is found that despite a long history, trade union membership levels, their impact on average wage levels, and their pursuit of strike action, has resulted in relatively benign economic impacts within country and relative to other economies around the world. The political-economy effects shaping the country’s employment relations are then discussed.

Keywords: Trade unions; labour market efficiency; wage premium; strikes; political economy; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F50 J30 J51 J52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 23 pages
Date: 2014-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ger, nep-lab and nep-pol
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

Published in Working Paper Series by the Development Policy Research Unit, July 2014, pages 1-23

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Working Paper: Trade Unions in an Emerging Economy: The Case of South Africa (2014)
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