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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct negotiations to advance the interests of workers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258098  Conduct negotiations to advance the interests of workers 
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  10 
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 
Learners credited with this Unit Standard will understand the negotiation process, the various approaches to negotiations, be able to negotiate a mandate, plan, prepare and conduct a negotiation process, and reach a settlement. These are critical aspects in the work of a trade union. It is a key responsibility and function of a negotiator in the trade union movement at all levels. Branch or regional organiser who negotiates on behalf of workers at many levels from that of company to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). All negotiations are conducted with the aim of advancing worker interests.

Learners credited with this Unit Standard will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating understanding of the negotiation process.
  • Preparing and planning a negotiating mandate.
  • Conducting negotiations to advance workers' interests.
  • Reaching settlement that advances workers' interests. 
    		•

    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 understanding of the negotiation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Negotiation is defined and its key elements described to demonstrate the role of negotiations in collective bargaining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various approaches to negotiation are explained so that the most appropriate approach is adopted during negotiations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Negotiation methods, techniques and tactics are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages for specific situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Power relations in the negotiation process are analysed and strategies to deal with them are developed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare and plan a negotiating mandate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    New information is gathered and information from previous negotiation processes is reviewed before preparing the plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process of obtaining a mandate is planned and implemented as the first step in negotiations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A demand is formulated collectively and agreed upon by the workers by ensuring maximum worker participation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Workers' demand/s are researched prior to negotiations in order to consolidate and strengthen the mandate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Research to look at economic context including appropriate inflation rate, industry information, company performance, and costing demands. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct negotiations to advance workers' interests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various negotiation strategies and techniques are considered and the most appropriate option is selected for a specific situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The importance of highlighting the gender issue during negotiations is explained so that it is not marginalised in the negotiation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fall-back positions are prepared to deal with developments during negotiations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Counter strategies are described and developed to deal with strategies and techniques that could be used by the opposition during negotiation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The agenda for negotiations is prepared in line with the mandate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workers' demands and supporting arguments in favour of the mandate are presented according to the agreed upon strategies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Plans for mobilizing worker support are prepared to bolster support during the negotiation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Mechanisms to break a deadlock in the negotiation process are described as part of the negotiation continuum. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Reach a settlement that advances workers' interests. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Type of settlement includes but is not limited to multi-year, short and long term agreements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The type of settlement is agreed upon through negotiation so that workers' interests are advanced as far as possible. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The verbal agreement is reduced to a written agreement and evaluated in terms of conformity with negotiated settlement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A report-back process is conducted to ensure that workers understand the agreement and the aspect of accountability is emphasised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Implementation of the agreement is monitored and recourse to action is prepared in the event of non-compliance by parties of the agreement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Negotiations are evaluated in detail to identify challenges and recommendations to address them are made, where applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The types of agreements are discussed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages for workers. 


    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 
  • Theory of negotiations.
  • The negotiation process.
  • Negotiation strategies and techniques.
  • Mobilising worker support. 
    		•

    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:
  • Selecting the most appropriate negotiation strategy.
  • Applying the strategy to the negotiation process.
  • Negotiating the best options available. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community and relevant labour service organisation to:
  • Ensure that worker interests are advanced through the negotiation process.
  • The correct mandate is obtained through consultation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Obtaining a mandate.
  • Preparing for negotiations.
  • Conducting and evaluating negotiations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Select the best options for negotiations.
  • Prepare for negotiations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Obtain a mandate from workers.
  • Present worker demands.
  • Mobilise workers.
  • Ensure that workers understand the agreement. 
    		•

    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 with adverse reactions of the negotiating party/parties. 

    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.