Browsing by Author "Kritzinger, Andrienetta Susanna"

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    Local bargaining in industrial relations with special reference to South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1990-01) Kritzinger, Andrienetta Susanna; Cilliers, S. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Sociology & Social Anthropology.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: This analysis of local bargaining is primarily theoretical and conceptual in nature re and done in four r main parts. The first part deals with different theoretical perspectives on industrial relations and the role each perspective assigns to collective bargaining and trade unions. The nature and various elements of collective bargaining are explored in more detail in order to arrive at a definition of local bargaining. In Part Two, the structures through which local bargaining has historically been conducted in South African industrial relations are discussed. This is done against the backdrop of an analysis of local bargaining as it has evolved in the industrial relations systems of the following countries: Great Britain, Japan, West Germany and the United States of America. Tendencies towards more decentralised bargaining are also identified in those countries hitherto known for their highly centralised bargaining structures. In Part Three, the factors underlying the development and establishment of local bargaining within the South African industrial relations context are explored. The role of macro-economic factors, government policy and labour legislation is analysed within the context of the history of labour unions, employer organisations and bargaining patterns. It is argued that the link between these sociopolitical and economic factors and the establishment of local bargaining is not necessarily simple and direct but that these factors more often relate to local bargaining via the intervening variables of ·the attitudes and power of bargaining parties conditioned by perceptions of vested interests. In addition to the abovementioned environmental considerations, the conditions pertaining to a specific enterprise, plant or shop floor situation and the manner in which these factors relate to the establishment of local bargaining are analysed. These variables include labour power, labour organisation, leadership, management attitude and policy as well as management structure. In Part Four, the most important implications of local Bargaining for the power relationship between employers/management and workers are assessed. These are seen to be the challenge that local bargaining represents for so-called managerial rights and prerogatives and the extent to which it presents workers with a means to participate in management decision-making and to gain some measure of control over their work lives. In all of this, the Industrial Court is seen to play a crucial role in the context of local bargaining being conducted between especially black workers and employers/management within South African establishments. In conclusion, the extent to which the establishment and extension of local bargaining in South African industrial relations corresponds with trends elsewhere while retaining its unique character and role, is assessed.