Social Finance Working Paper #61: Labour unions and financial inclusion in South Africa

How labour unions facilitate the provision of financial services for their members

Labour unions well-positioned to facilitate access to financial services for members. Labour unions play a critical role in improving the well-being of their members through promoting their rights in the workplace. Labour union members often fall in the lower income market which is stereotypically underserved by financial service providers. As an organising entity with bargaining power, access to a membership base, footprint and in some instances significant financial resources at their disposal, unions are well placed to facilitate access to financial services to their members.