Simon Eppel is a trade unionist and holds the position of Director of Research within the SA Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU). He is involved in a range of policy-related and practical activities that aim to produce more secure, sustainable, meaningful and growing employment for the union's members based on the principle and practice of decent work. He also provides assistance on collective bargaining and membership matters in the union.

He serves as a COSATU and SACTWU representative on several industry as well as Nedlac task teams and bodies.

He trained as a social anthropologist and received an M.Phil in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town (UCT).