'GUS' explains govt stand on trade unions

During a consultative meeting with employers in Selebi-Phikwe, the Assistant Minister said there is a backlog of cases at the Industrial Court and labour offices. He noted that through unions, a group of workers would present a single case and the employers would have to deal with the union and not individuals for harmonious industrial relations.

He added that if the employer and the employee obey the requirements of the law, there would be minimal cases at the Labour Department. He said that  workers often allege that they are denied rights to voice their concerns to the employers. "The law is very clear. The employees cannot be taken to task for voicing their concerns. They are even free to appoint representatives who can approach the employer."