Tripartite Relationship
SOUTH AFRICAN LABOUR: A TRIPARTITE RELATIONSHIP?
G.M. Ferreira Department of Public Administration and Management UNISA
ABSTRACT
T
his article contains an overview of the complex network of labour relations dynamics and organizational flow in the new legislative landscape of labour relations. It sketches the hierarchy and protocol of the different protagonists in the labour market and explains the number of principles and influences amidst the myriad of legislative and ad hoc regulatory precepts. It also touches on the impact the general rights of workers and their representative bodies have on the economic forces and health. The article stipulates the sensitive, yet core role that the government has to play in attempting to reach an equitable balance of interests. The article focuses on the three parties in labour relations, the parties to the employment relationship and their respective roles. A general overview of corporatism is also provided.
INTRODUCTION new legal framework for labour relations was put in place after the 1994 elections and the birth of a democratic political dispensation. This had an influence on business and the social partners in the workplace. Labour relations includes all aspects of collective and individual relationships between employers and employees. The state is also involved as a third party to this relationship. The tripartite relationship consists of a primary relationship between the employer and employee, and a secondary relationship between the state and the employer and employee. This relationship has a very important influence on South African politics and economics. The role and place of the different parties to the tripartite relationship will be discussed in the following paragraphs. The discussion starts with the state’s role in the relationship. The role of employees as individuals and as members of trade unions in a combined effort will be considered. The development of the legal rights of public servants
G.M. Ferreira Department of Public Administration and Management UNISA
ABSTRACT
T
his article contains an overview of the complex network of labour relations dynamics and organizational flow in the new legislative landscape of labour relations. It sketches the hierarchy and protocol of the different protagonists in the labour market and explains the number of principles and influences amidst the myriad of legislative and ad hoc regulatory precepts. It also touches on the impact the general rights of workers and their representative bodies have on the economic forces and health. The article stipulates the sensitive, yet core role that the government has to play in attempting to reach an equitable balance of interests. The article focuses on the three parties in labour relations, the parties to the employment relationship and their respective roles. A general overview of corporatism is also provided.
INTRODUCTION new legal framework for labour relations was put in place after the 1994 elections and the birth of a democratic political dispensation. This had an influence on business and the social partners in the workplace. Labour relations includes all aspects of collective and individual relationships between employers and employees. The state is also involved as a third party to this relationship. The tripartite relationship consists of a primary relationship between the employer and employee, and a secondary relationship between the state and the employer and employee. This relationship has a very important influence on South African politics and economics. The role and place of the different parties to the tripartite relationship will be discussed in the following paragraphs. The discussion starts with the state’s role in the relationship. The role of employees as individuals and as members of trade unions in a combined effort will be considered. The development of the legal rights of public servants
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