Page |1
Michiel Coenraad Welgemoedt
66391946
SOC3702 Exam (2021)
02/10/2021
2021 examination
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act
(Section A)
And
Transition from Fordism to Post-Fordism (Section B)
I, Michiel Coenraad Welgemoedt, 66391946, hereby states that all work
is my own, and all sources were cited where applicable.
, Page |2
Table of contents
Section A
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act 3
Section B
Transition from Fordism to Post-Fordism 16
, Page |3
Section A
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act
Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Rationale for introducing workplace forums 4
3. Requirements for establishing workplace forums 6
4. Institutional features of workplace forums 8
4.1 General functions of workplace forums 8
4.2 Specific matters for consultation 9
4.3 Matters for joint decision making 10
4.4 Other institutional features of workplace forums 10
5. Contending perspectives on workplace forums 11
5.1 Oupa Lehulere 11
5.2 Karl Von Holdt 13
5.3 Personal judgement 14
6. Conclusion 14
Resources 15
, Page |4
1 Introduction
The potential of workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations
Act to promote workplace democracy and effective worker participation
in South Africa. Within this essay, the institutional features and
organisational structures of workplace forums will be discussed
alongside the four general functions prescribed in the Act for workplace
forums. Within the general functions of workplace forums are specific
matters on which a workplace forum is entitled to be consulted; matters
for joint decision-making between the employer and the workplace
forum, and other institutional features of workplace forums. The debates
between Oupa Lehulere and Karl Von Holdt hold ideas on the dangers
and prospect for workplace forums to promote effective worker
participation with a personal judgement on the issue will conclude this
part of the essay.
2 Rationale for introducing workplace forums
In South Africa, the justification for workplace forums was detailed in the
explanatory memorandum to the final Labour Relations Bill. According to
the explanatory memorandum, the primary goals of introducing
workplace forums in the workplace would be greater efficiency and
productivity, workplace democracy, and collaborative decision-making.
These ideas go counter to the combative dynamic that has hitherto
existed in this field. The bill stresses that it is concerned with the
regulation of business-labour interactions. Its goal is to avoid haphazard
collective bargaining, which has muddled issues that might be handled
at the plant level. Employee involvement and decision-making do not
appear to be backed up by any legislation. South Africa is required to
follow the resolutions of the International Labour Organization,
particularly those relating to collective bargaining. The development of
social connections requires special care (Ministerial task team
1994:7,31)
The rationale for workplace forums as motivated in the Bill is
summarized by Finnemore (1997:158) as follows: “Workplace forums
are designed to
• Provide a forum for the representation of all employees at the
workplace with the exception of senior management already in positions
Michiel Coenraad Welgemoedt
66391946
SOC3702 Exam (2021)
02/10/2021
2021 examination
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act
(Section A)
And
Transition from Fordism to Post-Fordism (Section B)
I, Michiel Coenraad Welgemoedt, 66391946, hereby states that all work
is my own, and all sources were cited where applicable.
, Page |2
Table of contents
Section A
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act 3
Section B
Transition from Fordism to Post-Fordism 16
, Page |3
Section A
Workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations Act
Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Rationale for introducing workplace forums 4
3. Requirements for establishing workplace forums 6
4. Institutional features of workplace forums 8
4.1 General functions of workplace forums 8
4.2 Specific matters for consultation 9
4.3 Matters for joint decision making 10
4.4 Other institutional features of workplace forums 10
5. Contending perspectives on workplace forums 11
5.1 Oupa Lehulere 11
5.2 Karl Von Holdt 13
5.3 Personal judgement 14
6. Conclusion 14
Resources 15
, Page |4
1 Introduction
The potential of workplace forums as envisaged by the Labour Relations
Act to promote workplace democracy and effective worker participation
in South Africa. Within this essay, the institutional features and
organisational structures of workplace forums will be discussed
alongside the four general functions prescribed in the Act for workplace
forums. Within the general functions of workplace forums are specific
matters on which a workplace forum is entitled to be consulted; matters
for joint decision-making between the employer and the workplace
forum, and other institutional features of workplace forums. The debates
between Oupa Lehulere and Karl Von Holdt hold ideas on the dangers
and prospect for workplace forums to promote effective worker
participation with a personal judgement on the issue will conclude this
part of the essay.
2 Rationale for introducing workplace forums
In South Africa, the justification for workplace forums was detailed in the
explanatory memorandum to the final Labour Relations Bill. According to
the explanatory memorandum, the primary goals of introducing
workplace forums in the workplace would be greater efficiency and
productivity, workplace democracy, and collaborative decision-making.
These ideas go counter to the combative dynamic that has hitherto
existed in this field. The bill stresses that it is concerned with the
regulation of business-labour interactions. Its goal is to avoid haphazard
collective bargaining, which has muddled issues that might be handled
at the plant level. Employee involvement and decision-making do not
appear to be backed up by any legislation. South Africa is required to
follow the resolutions of the International Labour Organization,
particularly those relating to collective bargaining. The development of
social connections requires special care (Ministerial task team
1994:7,31)
The rationale for workplace forums as motivated in the Bill is
summarized by Finnemore (1997:158) as follows: “Workplace forums
are designed to
• Provide a forum for the representation of all employees at the
workplace with the exception of senior management already in positions
