SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Organise a strike to advance worker interests 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258095  Organise a strike to advance worker interests 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Trade Unions 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 05 - Education, Training and Development Adult Learning 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is suitable for learners who are working in a trade union environment as a branch or regional organiser and are responsible for organising and managing a strike. Learners accredited with this Unit Standard will gain knowledge and understanding relating to the history of strike actions, the legislation pertaining to strike action and the strike as an instrument to advance workers' interests. In addition, the learner will know about the significance of May Day or Labour Day as an instrument to display and enhance global worker solidarity.

Learners credited with this Unit Standard will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of strikes as a tool of the trade union movement to advance worker interests.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the significance of May Day.
  • Applying knowledge of the legislation governing strike action.
  • Conducting a strike to advance workers' interest. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners be competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of strikes as a tool of the trade union movement to advance worker interests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significance or importance of strike action is discussed to ensure that the potential and seriousness of such action is understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The origins of strike action nationally and internationally are discussed to obtain a global perspective regarding this activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The history of strike action in South Africa is traced with examples of the most significant strikes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    History includes but is not limited to some landmark strikes like the 1922 Rand revolt, 1973 Durban Workers strike and 1946 and 1987 mine workers' strikes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The differences between strikes, lock-outs and pickets are discussed to ensure that the implications and impacts of these actions are understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The forms of strike action in South Africa are discussed with examples of each form of strike. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Forms of strike action include but are not limited to factory occupation, industrial, national, shop floor and solidarity strikes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The power relations between striking workers and company management are analysed in terms of rhetoric, threats and usage of the media. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    National protest action is analysed in terms of impact on socio-economic issues at national level. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protest action includes but is not limited to 1991 anti-VAT strike, anti-privatization strike, pre-and post 1995 strike actions in terms of the LRA.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of May Day. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The origins of May Day are explained to emphasise the continuous struggle for worker's rights. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significance of May Day is discussed to demonstrate its potential to enhance international solidarity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Critical events in the history of May Day are discussed to illustrate the international dimension of the day. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Critical events include but are not limited to the Haymarket Square incident in Chicago.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evolution of May Day in South Africa is explored from apartheid times to the present and the differences, if any, during these epochs are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The coincidence and significance of the centenary of May Day and the states of emergency in South Africa in 1986 are discussed to demonstrate its significance for the liberation movement. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply knowledge of the legislation governing strike action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The constitutional right to strike is discussed against the backdrop of the right to lockout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different kinds of strikes are discussed so that the implications are fully understood. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different kinds of strikes include but are not limited to protected and unprotected strikes, primary and secondary strikes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relevant sections of the LRA are discussed to emphasise the parameters within which strike action can be pursued. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant sections include Sections 64 and 77.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The legal procedures for a strike action are explained and the strategic implications of protected and unprotected actions are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The bureaucratisation of the strike procedure is explored to assess whether the legislation is enabling or disempowering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The rights of workers and employers during strike action are discussed to obtain a comprehensive view of the way in which companies can react legally to strike action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Strategise and implement a strike action to advance the interests of workers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The manner in which strike action can be used to advance worker interests is explained, with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The potential and limitations of the strike action are evaluated so that correct decisions are made. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The strategies and tactics of strike action are selected and developed to assess which is the most appropriate way to take the action forward. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Techniques are developed to sustain high morale among workers to ensure the success of the strike. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Activities are coordinated and communicated during strike action so that workers are fully informed about developments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Plans to mobilize public support are prepared and a media strategy to counter misinformation is developed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Measures are developed to counter divisive tactics by the company in its attempt to defeat the strike or dilute workers' morale. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The principle of no work no pay is explained to workers so that they are aware of the possible consequences and unnecessary expectations are not created. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Strike funds are managed to sustain the strike action so that the momentum of the strike is not lost. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in this Unit Standard as well as the integrated competence described in the Exit Level Outcome of the Qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Unit Standard Essential Embedded Knowledge:
  • Legal framework for strike action.
  • History of strike action.
  • Rights of worker and employers.
  • Implications of strike action.
  • Knowledge about May Day as an instrument for international solidarity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Embarking on strike action.
  • Adhering to media communication strategy.
  • Managing strike funds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community to:
  • Ensure that workers understand the full implications and risks of strike action.
  • Ensure that consultation is adequate.
  • Workers are protected during the strike. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Planning and conducting strike action.
  • Dealing with the media campaign.
  • Keeping workers informed about developments.
  • Managing strike funds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Decide on strike action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Mobilise workers and to keep them informed.
  • Keep the trade union structures informed.
  • Manage the media campaign. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when engaging in strike action and that alternatives can be pursued to prevent strike action. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63369   National Diploma: Trade Union Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Ayoba Training Institute (Pty)Ltd 
    2. Essential Skills Management 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.