20/07/2024
Publication: CWAO
Author: Raymond Sibanyoni
We can name these reasons as capitalism, or as the government system of implementation. Even workers themselves somehow contributed to the systematic challenges we face.
Since the beginning of our democracy in the early nineties, almost all our worker gained demands are being reversed by the current government system because it is based on capitalism. Capitalist bosses are funding political party elections campaigns expecting that the government will introduce economic policies in their favour. Due to this fact, capitalist bosses are running economy as they please. Also the BB-BEE system policies opened up a freeway of labour broking without permanent work and benefits.
In all work places, whether government institutions or private companies, you will find these labour brokers. This government policy of privatisation paved the way of labour broking to escalate. Forums such as Nedlac are just the rubber stamps of government, there to crush workers' gains by gazetting unjust amendments to the Labour Relations Act to please capitalists who can further exploit workers for profit.
Workers also contributed partially to these problems by being desperate to work no matter how bad the conditions of work are. When anyone wins a tender from the government, they employ their friends and relatives and do not comply with any labour regulations. They are let off and don’t have to comply because they are doing the government’s work.
All of these problems can be overcome by workers, if workers stop being ignorant. Workers must organise themselves at plant levels, and form or join organisations which can educate and fight for their rights. If they are newly employed, these workers must seek advice about their employment contacts. They must not sign any contract if they don't understand it. Lastly, they must consult labour experts before signing anything.
