Labour Relations act 66 of 1995 Summary: The Labour Relations Act (LRA) of 1995 is a South African law that governs the relationship between employers, employees, and trade unions. The Act provides a framework for resolving disputes in the workplace, promoting collective bargaining, and protecting workers’ rights.
Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 Summary
Here is a summary of the key provisions of the LRA:
- Freedom of association: The LRA guarantees the right of workers to form and join trade unions, and the right of trade unions to organize and represent workers.
- Collective bargaining: The LRA encourages collective bargaining between employers and trade unions, and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes that arise during the bargaining process.
- Strikes and lockouts: The LRA regulates the process for engaging in strikes and lockouts, including the requirement for a secret ballot before a strike can be called, and the prohibition of certain types of strikes, such as violent and unprotected strikes.
- Unfair labor practices: The LRA prohibits unfair labor practices, such as discrimination, victimization, and unfair dismissals, and provides remedies for workers who have been subject to these practices.
- Dispute resolution: The LRA provides for the establishment of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which is responsible for resolving disputes between employers and employees. The Act also provides for the establishment of labor courts to hear and determine disputes that cannot be resolved through the CCMA.
- Basic conditions of employment: The LRA sets out minimum standards for working conditions, such as working hours, leave entitlements, and payment of wages, and provides mechanisms for enforcing these standards.
- Sectoral determinations: The LRA provides for the Minister of Labour to make sectoral determinations, which set out minimum terms and conditions of employment for workers in certain sectors of the economy.
Video: Labour Relations Act
Overall, the LRA plays a critical role in protecting workers’ rights and promoting fair and equitable labor practices in South Africa. The Act has helped to establish a more stable and predictable labor environment, and has contributed to the growth and development of the South African economy.