CATRA'S ROLE IN THE NEW LABOUR RELATION ACT

The new Labour Relations Act sets out to democrasize the workplace, advance economic development whilst affording social justice and peace to South African workers. The Act seeks to regulate the fundamental rights conferred by the constitution and provide a framework within which employees and the trade unions, employers and employer organizations can collectively bargain to determine wages, terms and conditions of employment and formulate industrial policy. Guidelines are set down to promote orderly collective bargaining at sectoral level, employees participation, decision making in the workplace, and the effective resolution of labour disputes.

Whilst CATRA recognizes that the injustices of the past need to be redressed, it made serious representations on behalf of its members to ensure that an equitable emphasis be placed on both employment, justice and the efficient operation of business. CATRA's key principle was to ensure that employees should help one another with mutual respect. Whilst employees should be protected from arbitrary action, employers too are entitled to satisfactory conduct and work performance from their employees.

Whilst this Act addresses many long overdue issues and protects the rights of the worker, CATRA is concerned that the small businessman, who does not have the financial resources or legal sophistication to tackle the discouraged from opening new businesses as South Africa needs the resources and entrepreneurial spirit of the small businessman. CATRA, in its capacity as one of the oldest and largest representative associations, will continue to make representations on behalf of its members and will continue discussions and negotiations with the authorities to achieve a more balanced and equitable Labour Relations Act.

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