, METHODS FOR ACQUIRING ORGANISATIONAL RIGHTS AT BISCUIT BAKERY (PTY) LTD
BY BAKERY WORKERS ASSOCIATION (BWA)
The acquisition of organisational rights by a trade union, such as the Bakery Workers
Association (“BWA”), within Biscuit Bakery (Pty) Ltd (“BB”) is a critical process for
ensuring effective worker representation, participation in decision-making, and
protection of labour rights. Organisational rights, as defined under the Labour
Relations Act 66 of 1995 (“the LRA”), encompass statutory entitlements such as
access to the workplace, stop-order facilities, shop steward appointments, and
participation in collective bargaining processes. The LRA provides a structured
mechanism for unions to acquire these rights, balancing employer interests with the
right of employees to organise. BWA may employ multiple methods to acquire
organisational rights, which range from voluntary engagement to legal enforcement
mechanisms. These methods are outlined below in detail.
1. VOLUNTARY RECOGNITION THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Voluntary recognition represents one of the most collaborative and strategic
methods for a union to acquire organisational rights within a workplace. Under this
approach, BWA approaches BB directly to negotiate recognition without invoking
statutory procedures. The process emphasises cooperation and mutual benefit, as
employers often recognise that union engagement can reduce industrial conflict and
improve employee relations.
• Key Components of Voluntary Recognition
o Negotiation of Rights: BWA can negotiate the scope and extent of
rights, such as:
BY BAKERY WORKERS ASSOCIATION (BWA)
The acquisition of organisational rights by a trade union, such as the Bakery Workers
Association (“BWA”), within Biscuit Bakery (Pty) Ltd (“BB”) is a critical process for
ensuring effective worker representation, participation in decision-making, and
protection of labour rights. Organisational rights, as defined under the Labour
Relations Act 66 of 1995 (“the LRA”), encompass statutory entitlements such as
access to the workplace, stop-order facilities, shop steward appointments, and
participation in collective bargaining processes. The LRA provides a structured
mechanism for unions to acquire these rights, balancing employer interests with the
right of employees to organise. BWA may employ multiple methods to acquire
organisational rights, which range from voluntary engagement to legal enforcement
mechanisms. These methods are outlined below in detail.
1. VOLUNTARY RECOGNITION THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Voluntary recognition represents one of the most collaborative and strategic
methods for a union to acquire organisational rights within a workplace. Under this
approach, BWA approaches BB directly to negotiate recognition without invoking
statutory procedures. The process emphasises cooperation and mutual benefit, as
employers often recognise that union engagement can reduce industrial conflict and
improve employee relations.
• Key Components of Voluntary Recognition
o Negotiation of Rights: BWA can negotiate the scope and extent of
rights, such as:
