Unprotected Strikes and Informal Labour: Emerging Challenges in South Africa’s Employee Relations Landscape

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Page: 1314-1318

Reginald Mulalo Ndwamai¹ and Munyeka Wiza² (Department of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations, University of Venda, South Africa¹ and Department of Human Resource Management, Durban University of Technology, South Africa²)

This paper examines a significant issue in South Africa’s labour landscape: the increase in unprotected strikes and informal employment. These challenges extend beyond mere policy or legal frameworks; they reflect the lived experiences of workers who feel marginalised, insecure, or excluded from established employment systems. Across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, domestic work, and the gig economy, an increasing number of South Africans are engaged in work without formal contracts, benefits, or the essential protections typically associated with formal employment. Concurrently, there is a rise in unprotected strikes-actions taken outside of established legal frameworks-indicating a deeper sense of frustration and a diminishing trust in existing negotiation and resolution mechanisms. This paper utilises secondary data from reports published in 2024, academic research, and practical case studies to analyse the factors contributing to these developments. It addresses economic issues such as job scarcity and inequality, the decline of trade unions, and the challenges faced by employers in a difficult economic climate. Employing the Industrial Relations Systems model, we investigate the responses of key stakeholders-workers, employers, and the government-and the consequences that arise when these relationships deteriorate. The paper not only identifies the underlying problems but also seeks to propose actionable, innovative solutions aimed at rebuilding trust, enhancing protections for informal workers, and reforming policies to create a more equitable and inclusive labour environment.