The analysis of the role and functions of labour unions in the South African Public Service

Abstract

The labour unions and staff associations in the South African Public Service are playing a vital role in promoting healthy labour relations and scund public personnel administration. Taking into account the fact that South Africa was a colony of Great Britain, the establishment of labour unions and staff associations in the Public Service was a slow process. It was during 1902 that the first union for public servants was established, viz. the Cape Postal and Telegraph Clerk's Association. The unions and staff associations that were established thereafter were mainly for white public officials, especially during the period 1902 to 1920. The unions and staff associations played an important role in the Public Service by submitting their representations and inputs on behalf of their members for the promotion of better condi t:i.ons of service and improvement of effective public personnel practices. Today the South African Public Service is having many labour unions and staff associations which are non-racial and open to all public servants. Because of the role and functions of labour unions in the Public Service, the following major changes took place :- The promulgation of the Public Service ~abour Relations Act, 1993 (Act No. 102 of 1993).