Know Your Rights: What workers fought for

Key labour reforms since 1994

1995 – Labour Relations Act (LRA) 66 of 1995

This act redefined the legal framework for labour relations, granting workers the right to form and join trade unions, engage in collective bargaining, and strike. It also established the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to resolve labour disputes efficiently (Source: www.gov.za).

1997 – Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) 75 of 1997

The BCEA set minimum standards for employment, including working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. It aims to ensure fair treatment of employees and compliance with international labour standards. 

1998 – Employment Equity Act (EEA) 55 of 1998

The EEA seeks to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace and promote affirmative action to redress historical imbalances, ensuring equitable representation across all occupational levels (Source: www.gov.za). 

2001 – Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001

This act provides short-term financial relief to workers who become unemployed or are unable to work due to illness, maternity, or adoption leave. It also extends benefits to dependents of deceased contributors (Source: SARS.gov.za). 

2018 – National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018

Introduced to reduce wage disparities and protect low-income workers, this act set the initial national minimum wage at R20 per hour. As of 1 March 2025, the minimum wage has been adjusted to R27.58 per hour (Source: www.gov.za).

Progress achieved

These legislative reforms have significantly improved the working conditions for many South Africans. Workers now have legal avenues to address grievances, and there is a framework to promote equality and fair treatment in the workplace. The establishment of institutions like the CCMA has provided accessible mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Ongoing challenges

Despite these advancements, several issues persist:

Informal employment: A significant portion of the workforce remains in the informal sector, lacking access to basic labour protections and benefits.

Gender wage gap: Women continue to earn less than their male counterparts. Between 2008 and 2021, the gender wage gap widened, with women earning approximately 78 cents for every rand earned by men in 2021. 

Enforcement of Labour Laws: While robust laws exist, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in s

ectors with high levels of informal employment.

Looking ahead

To build on the progress made since 1994, it’s crucial to address these challenges through:

Strengthening enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of labour inspectors and ensuring compliance with labour laws across all sectors.

Promoting formal employment: Implementing policies that encourage the transition from informal to formal employment, providing workers with greater security and benefits.

Addressing wage disparities: Developing targeted strategies to close the gender wage gap and promote equitable pay.

Worker’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards achieving fair and equitable labour practices for all South Africans.