Has the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 achieved its purpose of advancing economic development and social justice? A critical assessment

Abstract

In terms of section 1 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 the purpose of the LRA is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and the democratisation of the workplace. The problem of economic development and social justice is one that exists broadly within the South African society and there may be diverse ways of looking at it. However, this investigation specifically addresses the question of economic development and social justice as applicable within the South African labour market. It is a limited investigation in the sense that it is not necessarily intended to broadly cover all other related topics such as the legislated black economic empowerment or affirmative action measures. The research undertakes to determine if the purpose of the LRA specifically to advance economic development and workplace social justice has been attained and what possible measures could be implemented to achieve economic development and workplace social justice. The purpose of the LRA is to be achieved through the fulfillment of the primary objects of the LRA. The research, which adopts a critical analysis approach, assesses and answers questions such as: what is the purpose of the LRA and how is this purpose to be achieved? Can the idea of the advancement of economic development realistically be limited to the creation of work and the payment of a wage? What does “social justice” in the workplace entail? How can economic development and social justice in the labour environment be enhanced?