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Informalization and decent work: Labour’s challenge

Author

Listed:
  • Edward Webster

    (Decent Work and Development Initiative, Society, Work and Development Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.)

  • Katherine Joynt

    (Decent Work and Development Initiative, Society, Work and Development Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.)

  • Thabang Sefalafala

    (Decent Work and Development Initiative, Society, Work and Development Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.)

Abstract

This article identifies a growing number of workers falling outside the regulatory net of both the state and the trade union movement in South Africa on the basis of an examination of working conditions among private security guards and survivalist enterprises in the clothing sector. Traditional unions have had limited success in organizing these sectors because of the composition of the workforce as well as the nature of their work. New forms of organization, strategies and sources of power will need to be constructed if labour and its allies are to achieve better working and living conditions for all.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward Webster & Katherine Joynt & Thabang Sefalafala, 2016. "Informalization and decent work: Labour’s challenge," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 16(2), pages 203-218, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:16:y:2016:i:2:p:203-218
    DOI: 10.1177/1464993415623152
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Peter Alexander, 2010. "Rebellion of the poor: South Africa's service delivery protests -- a preliminary analysis," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(123), pages 25-40, March.
    2. Marty Chen, 2005. "Rethinking the Informal Economy: Linkages with the Formal Economy and the Formal Regulatory Environment," WIDER Working Paper Series RP2005-10, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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