The Silent Crisis: How South Africa’s Labour Relations System Is Fueling Unfair Dismissals
The Silent Crisis: How South Africa’s Labour Relations System Is Fueling Unfair Dismissals South Africa’s labour relations system is often portrayed as one of the most progressive in the world, with its robust legal frameworks, including the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) , designed to protect workers from unfair treatment. However, beneath this veneer of protection lies a silent crisis : the system is increasingly being manipulated or misunderstood , leading to a surge in unfair dismissals . This crisis is largely affecting vulnerable employees, who are often dismissed without proper cause or due process. While businesses claim to be acting in their best interests, the misuse and misapplication of labour laws have led to devastating consequences for workers. The Growing Problem of Unfair Dismissals The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) , which handles disputes between employers and employees, repor...