Working and Living Conditions of Seasonal Workers in the Agro-processing sector: a Case study of Carara Agro-Processing Services (Pty) Ltd
- Authors: Ngidi, Buyisiwe Sime
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Seasonal labor South Africa , Labor market South Africa , Agricultural processing industries South Africa , Agricultural processing industry workers Employment South Africa , Employee rights South Africa , Unfair labor practices South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Carara Agro-Processing Services (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188799 , vital:44786
- Description: This thesis analyses the working and living conditions of seasonal workers. In the context of increased demand for processed and higher-value food products, the agro-processing industry has been identified as a main contributor in the South African labour market (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2012: 17). In an effort to achieve high production outputs while saving on operational costs, employers have been seen incorporating more non-standard labour. In the agro-processing industry, non-standard labour has been in the form of seasonal workers which has been a matter of concern to state structures tasked with ensuring company compliance with labour regulations, especially as it relates to the protection of workers within the industry. Many of these workers are offered little protection, sub-standard working conditions, irregular working hours, having little or no benefits, lacking skills and often facing a lack of trade union representation (Fourie, 2008:111). The introduction of section 198B of Labour Relations Act (LRA) has been designed to address the rights of non-standard workers and to provide protection against exploitative practices within various industries (Griessel, 2015:1). The thesis focuses its attention on the role of social reproduction and the labour process in perpetuating domination and inequalities within the workplace. Further, the thesis examines the challenges of non-standard labour and the difficulties of regulating it in practice. It also discusses the livelihood strategies adopted by seasonal workers when not employed, in this case, by Carara Agro Processing Services. The research adopted qualitative research techniques in the form of semi-structured interviews and used purposive and snowball sampling in accessing relevant data for analysis purposes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An examination of employee participation as provided for in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995
- Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999