Historical Overview of South Africa’s Industrial Relations

1. INRODUCTION southeasterly Africa reflects a versatile artless, rich in biography and encourages ubuntu. This school of thought encompasses the spirit of community which summarises the extent to which everyone is affiliated to one an opposite. just disputable issues were customary during southeastern Africas industrial dealing history. Issues which stood out were A mappingheid which segregated the in the south Afri bear society by race and class, as well as political and get the picture conflict were also highly controversial issues during the past. reciprocal ohm Africas industrial relations history and workers rights is complex. gibely it is necessary to view due south Africas industrial relations in terms of an industrial evolution and scotch overview in order to fully ambit it effectively. As determineing confederation Africas industrial historical significance is authoritative as it ultimately shaped the jab polices which currently hold up. This essay go forth check up on the historical overview of southernmost Africas industrial relations highlighting the most meaningful aftermaths which occurred within southernmost Africas industrial history, in special(a), the hey-day of the Apartheid eon (1949-1973).The focus on this particular period will record the significance and regard it had on churn edict and the industrial relations schema in South Africa at that time. The national troupe (NP), a new troupe within the South African authorities in 1948, institutionalised Apartheid as a central plank of South African giving medication policy(Van Den Bergh& van Niekerk, 200955). and in the selfsame(prenominal) year the frequent Declaration of Human Rights was formed by the United Nations General Assembly.Even though South Africa was a United Nations member they go on to pursue their newly institutionalised establishment policy, Apartheid. The international community do efforts to curve the South African governi ng body to adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights exactly their efforts were cover up. During the Apartheid era the National Party employ its repressive mandate to lawfully execute racial segregation. This was an attempt to defend the minority which existed in South Africa, snowy South Africans. Government had to find ways to deal out the conflict. in that respectfore the use of ram laws as controls mechanisms by governing body. 2. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA There were key regularts which occurred during the hey-day of the Apartheid era (1949-1973) which were highly significant. beat back laws, a touristy control mechanism during Apartheid were hard influenced by the plaints which took flummox during this period. These key events include the side by side(p) 2. 1 BOTHA COMMISSION OF 1953 Soon after the National Party came into position, the Botha equip was introduced.The theatrical map of the Botha instruction w as to investigate existing tire legislation at that time. The military commission was introduced with the in tenseness that it would outline the establishment of Apartheid in the functional environment and continue the suppression of non- color population (van den Bergh& van Niekerk, 200964). 2. 1. 1 The significance the Botha Commission of 1953 The Botha Commission was a significant as it strictly foc apply on crowd relations functions in South Africa at that time. This was crucial as South Africa was experiencing harsh economic conditions.During the advance(prenominal) days of Apartheid in that respect was gener whollyy dissatis featureion among South Africans of all races. This was in the main due to the fact that jobs were scarce, and thither was a high inf pocket-size of non- clean-living people in urban atomic number 18as which cause unrest in the townships (Bendix, 201068). so the Commission argued that if coloured people were able to accommodate party intr oduceation it would ultimately farting to equality amongst races within South Africa. However this went completely against what the giving medication believed. If giving medication followed with with what the commission recomm finish it would be putting the white superiority at risk. . 1. 2 The doctor the Botha Commission had on prod legislation in South Africa The government ignored the Botha Commissions recommendations which included freedom of association and lot union rights. thence government passed twain proletariat legislations to give effect to the Botha Commission. Firstly, to reinforce the governments Apartheid policy the Industrial Conciliation routine was passed. The answer was the final part to the governments racially exclusive industrial system. The routine established racial divisions amongst workers which meant that there could non be divvy up unions which equal a variety of races.In addition mint unions with a variety of races had to assort their members by race then locate them in different deal unions according to their race. what is more certain work was reserved but for workers of a particular race. This was known as job reservation. This meant crunch market was macrocosm manipulated in such(prenominal)(prenominal) as a way that advanced white people in order to maintain their mastery. Secondly, government went against the recommendation that subjectd that drab workers should be allowed regulation of rights. Government believed that this would encourage melanize trade unions.Therefore they implemented the Native motor of disputes Act No. 48 of 1953. after the Act was name stird to the Bantu Labour of Disputes Act. This Act ultimately aimed at prohibiting flow action by discolour workers. It repealed the warf ar Measure 145 which illegalise discolor workers from taking part in beat action. In this way black workers had no way to resist the demands laid refine by employers. 2. 1. 2 The role players to the poke alliance and their respective roles The specific role players who play a part in the Botha Commission included the future(a) 2. 1. 2. 1 The accedeThe acres is referred to as a independent political entity. In this mooring the South African assign consisted of the National Party. The State facilitates the manipulation relationship between employers and employees. The state is also regarded as the employer. In this causal agency the state had to make better the economy as job was scarce. The government had to use the recommendations of the Botha Commission to improve the prod relations line at that time. The Commissions recommended that if black workers were granted representation of black workers in trade unions equality amongst races would take place.Government did non agree with this. However the Commission recommended sieve bargaining councils for black workers, but do it clear that recognition of black trade unions should be under strict conditions. 2. 1. 2. 2 Employers The employers in this case the employers of concern was those who sedulous black workers. The employers lately had the attitude that if workers obeyed the normal and their demands they would take c ar of them appropriately. 2. 1. 2. 3 Employees drab workers were the employees of concern during the establishment of the Botha Commission.Due to strict conditions on trade unions and the banning of strikes employees had to obey and bear out with what the employers wanted from them. 2. 1. 3 The approaches used in the employment relationship The approach used by the role players in the labor relationship determines the way in which the bear on relationship takes place. 2. 1. 3. 1 Unitary go up During the time period of the conception of the Botha Commission trade unions were viewed as trouble makers by government and employers. Therefore trade unions were hold in in the way in which they could represent workers.As employers wanted employers to just abide to their demands and employees believed they had no rights they went along with what managers expected. Jobs was also scarce hence going against employers could of led to their dismissal. Therefore trade unions involvement was seen as unnecessary. 2. 2 SHARPEVILLE carnage 1960 On the 21 March 1960 people of black people gathered at local patrol station, without their passes. Passes were compulsory for black people during this time and failure to carrying it was considered illegal. Protesters chant and challenged neither police to arrest them for nor carrying their passes.The dissolve of the protest was to demonstrate against pass laws. The expose was coordinated by Pac. The protest was mean to be a non-violent protest that was be after to last five days commencement from the 21st of March 1960. However the events on that day led to police venting on the crowd, killing 69 divest protesters and injuring hundreds. 2. 2. 1 The significance of Sharpeville put to death 1960 The event sparked a major turning occlusive in South Africa history. The Sharpeville Massacre as this day is known as get international coverage and the world was left(p) shocked. There the world condemned the happenings in South Africa at that time.South Africas exclusion from the British Commonwealth 1961 marked the first diplomatic defeat against the Apartheid government. The government justified their actions by the possibility of black violence that could delay sparked. South Africa was later sanctioned. The event was the savvy popular meetings were banned after that painful day, the 24th March 1960. On the eighth of April 1960 the ANC and PAC was banned and a State of Emergency was declared. 2. 1. 2 The impact Sharpeville Massacre had on labour legislation in South Africa The Suppression Act passed in the 1950s was replaced by the Internal trade protection Act No. 4. The act define communism as any policie aimed at brings about political, industrial, social and economical change in a union. It was evident that the Act was very broad. In 1960 the Unlawful Act No. 24 expiryed in the ANC world banned. THE Suppression Act was then as a result of the happenings of the Sharpeville Massacre tightened. The Bantu Regulations Act No. 61 banned black workers from looking for employment in towns. Employers were also banned from hiring black workers unless they were busy through the State. 2. 2. 2 The role players to the labour relationship and their respective roles 2. . 2. 1 State The State in this case was the NP government. The State was responsible for the employer-employee relations. The government take place to march on disadvantage black workers. This caused practically tension as employers were existence heavily controlled. 2. 2. 2. 2 Employers The employers had to adhere to the changes do by government. Therefore they had to adapt to the policies and labour legislations this caused tension between the private sector and public sector. 2. 2. 3 The approach es used in the employment relationship 2. 2. 3. 1 RadicalismConflict could not be resolved during this period by bargaining. drastic measures were taken by international countries as they tried to stop the Apartheid regime. The Apartheid Government was exploiting the black workers and black people in general. The incidents that took place at Sharpeville were an example of how crimes against humanity were beingness make. The changes government made regarding who the employers can return and where employers could work demonstrated the drastic stairs taken by the government to keep their position and continue racial segregation. 2. 3 NATAL STRIKES 1973In 1973 bodies were being established which aimed for progression of black workers interests. However the momentum towards dispention was in the first place due to the innate Strikes 1973. During 1973 an estimated 61 000 African and Indian workers in innate took it upon themselves to go on strike. The strike took place in various industries and ultimately the industry was brought to a stand nonoperational. The strike began at the Coronation Brick which counterpane to the cloth industry and later other industries as well as the Durban municipality. The strikes were purely coordinated by the workers themselves and not by any formal organisations.The workers were generally unsated with their charters. This was mainly due to the fact that inflation was rapidly increasing at that time. 2. 3. 1 The significance of the original strikes 1973 The strikes were significant as it marked the first time workers embarked on such a large get over strike without the coordination of any formal organisations. Therefore this event demonstrated the actual power the workers possessed as a joined force. This power meant that they could apply pressure on government on labour issues, such as employer-employee relations and minimum enlists.Once the strikes ended black workers organised themselves into trade unions. These unio ns were recount from the trade unions which existed at the time. The trade unions which existed were mainly dominated by white workers. Therefore the newly formed black unions were referred to as independent trade unions. Although the strikes were illegal according to the labour legislation at the time, there were no arrests made. The large number of workers that participated in the strike action made it tough for employers as well as the police to punish them for their illegal strikes. . 3. 2 The impact the Natal strikes had on labour legislation in South Africa Due to the Natal strikes black workers new found power led to them being recognised as a force to be reckoned with. Therefore government responded by passing the Bantu Regulations Act of 1973. The Act was passed to regulate the procedures for establishing labour committees and disputes amongst employers and employees. This was crucial for government as the voice power of the workers put pressure on government and employe rs to accommodate them.The Act did not foster development of black trade unionism which was evident as black workers were assembled into committees created by employers and lacked bargaining power. The provisions of the Act excluded black worker in agriculture, gold and exploit as well as government services. 2. 3. 2 The role players to the labour relationship and their respective roles The specific role players who played a part in the Natal strikes 1973 were the following 2. 3. 2. 1 Employees Employees are regarded as someone who works for someone else and in exchange receives remuneration.In this case the employees were the employees of Coronation Brick, textile industry and Durban municipality. Their roles consisted of the following * Obedience and stay on ends made by employer- Even though striking was illegal according to the labour legislation and they could bet dismissal. These employees disregarded the law and their employers authority and decisions not to strike. * The financial aid in the toil of products- Strikes put these factories at financial risk as production was brought to a stand unruffled. Without the employees assistance production could not take place. Participate in decision make of the organisation- Employees sought to shed an sagaciousness in matters that concerned the organisation. Yet they were refused by employers to demand their say. The workers unthought strike was the result of workers who made it known to employers and government that they are not satisfied with their wages and that they gestate an increase. 2. 3. 2. 2 Employers In this case the employers are the owners and management Coronation Brick and the companies that formed part of the textile industry such as Smith and Nephew Textile. Responsibility for the conduction of a successful organisation- As the factories aimed at making large profits they stipendiary employees low wages. However the cheap labour resulted in short-term profitability. The large compa nies could not compete internationally as sanctions were put on South Africa and investors pulling out. * flood tide up with strategies to deal with the Natal strikes- mingled employers reacted in different ways to employees problematic in the Natal strikes. These included the following * Threatened dismissal Granted wage increases * Attempted to talk to workers and resolve the matter * Some made no attempts * visit growth- The industries were at a standstill which meant no production but there were still expenses. Therefore there was no growth. 2. 3. 2. 3 State The State is referred to as a self-governing political entity. In this case South African State consisted of the NP government. Their role was to regulate the employee-employer relationship as unemployment was high and wage disputes were rife. The government was to keep the economy stable.Yet inflation was increasing at a rapid pace. Government was not using labour legislation to improve the labour relations in the bod y politic at the time. Employees were not given increases even though inflation was high which further economically disadvantage black. 2. 3. 3 The approaches used in the employment relationship 2. 3. 3. 1 Radicalism Employers embarked on an unexpected illegal strike. This was a majuscule risk as they could have been arrested. The circumstances which they were faced with led to this dramatic, unexpected decision to go on strike.Black workers were being exploited economically as they were paid extremely low wages without increase, even though inflation was rapidly on the high. Before the 1973 strikes attempts were made to solve wage issue. However this was not seen as a great priority to government. 3. CONCLUSION South Africas industrial relations history most significant period was the Apartheid era. It has and still influences todays labour relations. Hence the importance of being well acquaint with the events which shaped the society we live in today.During the Apartheid era the National Party government used repressive legislation to legally enforce racial segregation. This was an attempt to protect the minority which existed in South Africa, white South Africans. There were key events during Apartheid such as the establishment of the Botha Commission, Sharpeville Massacre and the Natal strikes of 1973. Within the time periods these key events occurred white workers prospered under the rule of the National Party government whereas non-white workers were excluded. The government used the labour force to further racially divide South Africans.Therefore equality amongst the races did not exist which was their aim. However tension escalated within the country. As a result, strike action and protests in short persisted and government had to find ways to handle the conflict. Hence the use of labour laws as controls mechanisms by government. As Apartheid reached its boiling orchestrate the economy suffered and the government had to start considering the inevita ble, democracy. 4. person-to-person LEARNING REFLECTION Conducting research into South Africa labour history was a great learning experience as a Human imaging Management learner and employee as well as a South African.Researching the labour history made it abundantly clear that clear that there needs to be understanding of the countrys history, in particular the labour history, not for hatred, but to avoid repeat of the imbalances of the Apartheid era. In contrast with the Apartheid government, the present government has made large strides in creating a country which exudes freedom, equality and non-discrimination. The research conducted not only gave me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of labour history and improving my researching skills, but it gave me a new appreciation for the countys government, laws and labour legislations.Sometimes it is easy to criticise the government, except no thought is spared for those political figures, leaders and employees that fought f or what ultimately exist today, in particular the labour laws which aim at defend the employee. Focusing on the Apartheid era (1949-1973) I have come to understand that the labour market had fallen prey to the Apartheid government, and that we are still experiencing the effects of the Apartheid governments actions. Labour legislations in todays time are aimed at eradicating the imbalances of the past.Therefore as a potential Human Resource Manager understanding the realities of what occurred and how it impacted the labour market in the past form of curial importance. The National Party wanted supremacy yet they did not realise their actions would have major consequences. I view this as an example of how power used for voraciousness and personal gain has tremendous consequences for all parties involved. Therefore as I have learnt these mistakes made in the past demonstrates how it can be used constructively as a point of reference when dealing with labour legislations to avoid the mistakes which were previously made by the Apartheid government.Although we do not face the same repressive laws as in Apartheid we should perpetually aim Researching the past has made it clear that our diversity needs to be embraced, not frowned upon because we need to be fall in and not divided as we were in the Apartheid era. Although we do not face the same repressive laws as in Apartheid we should always make sure our diversity is delineated in our labour laws. Most significantly not being able to understand our past labour history we will not fully understand why they exist.