Labour Relations in South Africa Practice Flashcards

These flashcards cover the historical development of South African labour relations, analytical frameworks, key legislative acts, socioeconomic fundamentals, and significant case studies like the Rand Rebellion and Marikana.

What are the four pillars of the modern study of labour relations according to the environmental perspective?

Strengthening fundamental principles and rights at work, promoting employment, broadening social protection, and strengthening tripartism and social dialogue.

What are the four elements of the 'Complex Adaptive System' framework for studying labour relations?

a) The macro-environment, b) The role of the three main parties (State, labour, business), c) Structures and processes for conflict resolution, and d) Outcomes of labour relations.

Define the 'Unitarism' perspective in labour relations.

It sees the workplace as a single unified team where employers and employees share the same goals, and conflict is viewed as abnormal or caused by poor communication.

What is the 'Pluralist' view of workplace conflict?

It views conflict as normal and manageable through negotiation and collective bargaining between different groups with different interests.

How does the 'Radicalism' or Marxist perspective view labour relations?

As an inherent structural conflict between capital and labour driven by exploitation, where conflict is inevitable as employers seek profit and workers seek fair wages.

What was the purpose of the 'Master and Servants Act of 1856'?

To maintain control over the workforce by making a breach of an employment contract a punishable criminal offence.

What specific mechanisms were used to force black Africans into the wage labour market during the discovery of gold and diamonds?

The imposition of poll and hut taxes, and the use of pass laws to restrict movement and channel labour to the mines.

What were the primary causes of the 'Rand Rebellion of 1922'?

A collapse in gold prices led mining management to attempt to replace expensive white skilled labour with cheaper black labour, violating the 'Status Quo Agreement'.

What was the significance of the 'Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924' regarding racial exclusion?

It explicitly excluded black workers from the legal definition of 'employee,' effectively codifying a 'Colour Bar' that protected white workers' interests.

What was the key recommendation of the 'Wiehahn Commission' in 1979?

Including black workers in the legal definition of 'employee,' granting freedom of association to all races, and creating an industrial court.

What triggered the 'Durban Strikes of 1973'?

Widespread dissatisfaction over low wages that were declining rapidly in the face of rising inflation.

What are the four foundational legislative acts of the post-apartheid labour dispensation?

The Labour Relations Act (1995), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (1997), Employment Equity Act (1998), and Skills Development Act (1998).

What occurred during the 'Marikana Massacre' on 16 August 2012?

The South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on striking miners at the Lonmin platinum mine, resulting in 34 deaths and 78 injuries.

Define the 'Official' (narrow) definition of unemployment in South Africa.

Includes persons aged $15-64$ who were not employed in the reference week, were available for work, and actively looked for work in the four weeks preceding the survey.

Who is considered a 'discouraged work-seeker' under the expanded definition of unemployment?

A person who wanted to work and was available but did not take active steps to find work because they believed no jobs were available or they lacked the skills/money for transport.

What is 'Structural Unemployment'?

Unemployment caused by a long-term mismatch between the skills workers possess and the skills demanded by the economy, often due to technological change.

What is the 'Gini coefficient' and what is South Africa's approximate index?

A statistical measure of income distribution; South Africa ranks as the most unequal country in the world with a Gini index of around $0.67$.

What is the 'triple scourge' of South Africa's socio-economic challenges?

Poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

What are the three main parties in the tripartite relationship influenced by NEDLAC?

The State (Government), Labour (Trade Unions), and Business (Employers).

Define 'Informal Employment' according to the lecture notes.

Precarious employment where workers are not entitled to basic benefits like pensions or sick leave, regardless of whether the entity is in the formal or informal sector.

What was the 'civilised labour policy' introduced by the Pact government post-1924?

A policy aimed at protecting white jobs and wages, effectively turning white workers into a 'labour aristocracy'.

What transition occurred in economic policy from RDP to GEAR in 1996?

A shift from 'growth through redistribution' (RDP) to a neoliberal 'redistribution through growth' strategy (GEAR).

What was the 'Marikana' wage demand that triggered the 2012 strike?

$R12\,500$ per month for rock drill operators.

How did the 2024 general elections change South African labour policy perspectives?

The ANC lost its majority, leading to a Government of National Unity (GNU) which requires greater compromise and coalition-based policymaking between parties.