As the number of Multinationals that either produce or source in Africa continues to increase so do the challenges that are faced by workers and trade unions. Workers have risen to meet these challenges and it is in support of their struggle that these booklets have been produced. The booklets have been designed as an educational tool to provide a wide range of information, from contextual issues of the garment sector in global trade to practical considerations for shop stewards.

2005 - IRENE, CSRSC, SOMO, EED AND FNV

Asian multinationals in Africa
Information and strategy guide

Booklet One is a strategy guide designed to provide unions with information on Asian Multinationals in the global supply chain and is to be used in seeking ways combating the effects of global trade on African workers in the garment sector. It presents various tools and institutions for regulating the labour practices of these MNCs and presents some food for thought in an altenative development model for Africa’s textile and garment industry.
1005kb) Download booklet one >>

Organising and campaigning
Developing union strategy and capacity

Booklet two is more about the practice of combatting multinational producers and retailers than booklet 1. You should in fact read the two booklets together to get a theoretical understanding and develop practical actions in advancing the rights and interests of workers in the sector. This booklet is aimed at trade union organisers and shop stewards with some experience already. It assumes a basic working knowledge of union concepts and issues in the industry. Some sections may also be useful to new shop stewards or workers wishing to get organised in a factory if it is read in conjunction with booklet 3.
Booklet 2 has a dual focus on tools for the use in developing international solidarity on the one hand whilst developing plant based union organisation on the other. Both aspects are critical in supporting workers to better their lives.
1158kb) Download booklet two >>

A story of organising
A shopfloor workbook

Booklet three is created as a workbook to be used to guide discussion and education on some of the struggles that face workers in the garment sector in Africa. To do this the book uses three methods, story telling, information notes and guided discussion activities. The book is mainly intended for use by workers who are unorganised or recently organised and would be useful to an individual reader but far more useful for a group of workers to work through during a series of meetings or in a study circle format. The book is intended as a guide and a tool to stimulate workers discussions, thinking and planning, not to replace them. The exercises in this workbook should be done as you read through the story and not at the end.
652 kb) Download booklet three >>