Collective Bargaining in South Africa: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees
Collective Bargaining in South Africa: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees Collective bargaining plays a central role in South Africa’s labour relations system. It is one of the most important mechanisms through which employees and employers negotiate working conditions, wages, benefits, and broader workplace issues. Given South Africa’s history and current economic realities, collective bargaining remains a powerful tool for promoting fairness, stability, and social justice in the workplace. This article explains what collective bargaining is, how it works in South Africa, who is involved, and why it matters in today’s business environment. What Is Collective Bargaining? Collective bargaining is a process of negotiation between employers (or employer organisations) and employees (usually represented by trade unions). The goal is to reach an agreement on matters of mutual interest , such as: Wages and salary increases Working hours and overtime Leave entitlemen...