Worker participation in South Africa: the influence of legislation

Abstract

Significant socio-political changes have, since 1990, occurred in South Africa, heralding a an era of democracy. The Reconstruction and Development Programme envisages worker participation as an element of economic growth based on the empowerment and motivation of the workforce. The Labour Relations Act has introduced the concept of workplace forums the purpose of which is to give employers and employees the opportunity to negotiate on workplace matters which fall outside the ambit of collective bargaining. It seems, however, that organisations are still being managed in an autocratic manner. Apparently the pursuit of democracy has yet to reach the workplace. This paper examines the influence which international labour relations systems have had on legislation for greater workplace participation.