Warning: Workers may Lose in New Labour Law

Dr Carin Runciman spoke at a Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office seminar. She is seen above with CPLO economic and social development project coordinator Kenny Pasensie.

Doctor Runciman, senior researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Social Change, spoke at a seminar aimed at unpacking the National Minimum Wage Bill, as well as amendments to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

According to Dr Runciman, the proposed amendments to the labour laws are the biggest changes to the labour environment since 1994.

She argued that if the three Bills are passed in their current form, they will:

  • limit the right to strike
  • change the conditions of collective bargaining, allowing minority unions to dominate sectors
  • not guarantee a monthly minimum wage of R3500 but rather only R20 per hour
  • remove the important protections for vulnerable workers’ guaranteed sectorial determinations.

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