A review of the state of trade union-based worker education

ABSTRACT

Worker education is crucial for developing alternative perspectives and collective responses to the socio-economic and ecological challenges facing the working class. This paper summarises findings of research commissioned by the Worker Education Committee of the Human Resources Development Council on the nature and provision of worker education. The research was conducted with trade unions, labour service organisations and institutions involved in worker education. The research process collectively defined worker education as education for workers, controlled by workers and their organisations for their own needs and purposes, and oriented towards building collective organisation to advance workers’ struggles. Worker education includes the employed (in both precarious and “standard” employment) and the unemployed.

Key challenges include the lack of sustainable financing of worker education, the lack of time-off for workers to access education, and fragmented worker education initiatives. The revitalisation of worker education requires a reassertion of the historical character of worker education, organically linked to working class struggles and union organising, rather than narrowly focused on skills acquisition for individual advancement.

Revitalising worker education cannot solve the problems facing the labour movement on its own. Rebuilding worker organisation and relationships of solidarity and collective action within and between organised and unorganised workers is integral to the revitalisation of worker education.

KEYWORDS:

• Worker education
• trade union education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. NALEDI was formed in 1993 and carries out labour and economic research. NALEDI’s mission is to conduct policy-relevant research aimed at building the capacity of the labour movement to effectively engage with the challenges of transforming South African society.

2. The Worker Education Committee consists of COSATU, NACTU, FEDUSA, labour service organisations and relevant government departments and institutions. It was established to advise the HRDC (Human Resources Development Council), on matters of worker education. The HRDC is a tripartite advisory body that brings together various government ministers, labour and business to address various aspects of skills development.

3. COSATU, FEDUSA, NACTU and SAFTU-aligned unions, as well as independent unions, were interviewed. We also interviewed organisations representing informal and precarious workers.

4. All data for the 3^rd quarter of each year.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Liesl Orr

Liesl Orr is a Senior Researcher focusing on Gender and Organisational Renewal at NALEDI. She conducts research, develops education materials and facilitates worker education for the labour movement.