ZUMA SIGNS LRA ACT INTO LAW – PRESIDENCY

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, August 17, 2014

Law seeks to respond to increased informalisation of labour, ensure vulnerable groups are adequately protected

President Zuma assents to the Labour Relations Amendment Act

17 August 2014

President Jacob Zuma has, in terms of section 84(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, assented to the Labour Relations Amendment Act, 2004 (Act No.6 of 2014).

The Act seeks to, amongst others:

(a) Respond to the increased informalisation of labour to ensure that vulnerable groups receive adequate protection and are employed in conditions of decent work.

(b) Ensure that labour legislation gives effect to fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to fair labour practices, to engage in collective bargaining and right to equality and protection from unfair discrimination.

(c) Enhance the effectiveness of primary labour market institutions such as the Labour Court, CCMA, the Essential Services Committee and Labour Inspectorate.

(d) Rectify the anomalies and clarify uncertainties that have risen from the interpretation and application of the Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997).