Die ervaring van veranderende arbeidsverhoudinge deur die personeel van 'n transformerende plaaslike owerheid

Abstract

Following the election of the ANC to Government, there has been a dramatic change in labour relations in all sectors of South Africa. Local governments, like any other organisation in South Africa, need to apply the new regulations associated with the new labour legislation. Furthermore, local governments are confronted with restructuring and transformation processes. The personnel's experience of the changing labour relations could influence the success of the transformation in the local government. The objective of this study were to determine: How the personnel of a transforming local government experience changing labour relations. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY In the empirical investigation the survey procedure was used as research technique, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from the personnel of a local government in the Northwest Province. The total population, accumulating to three hundred and ten (310), was included in this survey in a controlled environment and total response was achieved. POSSIBLE OUTCOMES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Personnel of the transforming local government experience the changing labour relations in medium effect as positive and accept the necessity of transformation in the organisation. Furthermore the personnel understand the changed policies, codes and procedures in the local government, but are reluctant to use certain procedures and distrust some of the policies and

codes. The personnel have a better understanding of labour legislation than the policies of the local government. The personnel indicated a need for more knowledge in labour related aspects. The increase of this knowledge could better the lack of trust in the application of these policies, codes and procedures. Better communication to the personnel concerning the transformation and goals already achieved could better their expectations. RELEVANCE AND CONTRIBUTION Organisations in all sectors of South Africa need to manage transformation and changing labour relations. To identify certain fears of personnel facing changing labour relations in a transforming organisation could help other organisations to manage these fears better.