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TRADE WINDS

Benchmarks

of stability

Why bargaining

councils matter

argaining Councils are the
unsung architects of fairness and
Bstability in South Africa’s furniture
industry. They uphold ethical labour
practices, level the playing fields and, with
SAFI leading the charge, shape a more
competitive future. “They offer a structured platform for and employment equity, BCs offer
In a sector defined by craftsmanship, dispute resolution, wage agreements and frameworks that protect both businesses
innovation and resilience, stability is the improved working conditions, which and their workers. “Without such
unsung hero of success. For the South in turn create a more competitive and councils, we’re left with fragmented
African furniture industry, that stability sustainable industry.” labour practices that weaken the industry
rests increasingly on the foundational role and expose manufacturers to unnecessary
of Bargaining Councils (BCs), a mechanism The role of Bargaining Councils in risk,” explains Boulle. “By supporting
that ensures fair labour practices, protects safeguarding the sector BCs, we’re ensuring that everyone – from
businesses and workers alike, and bolsters Bargaining Councils are established factory floor to boardroom – benefits from
long-term growth. The South African under the Labour Relations Act to serve a more predictable and fair environment.”
Furniture Initiative (SAFI) is championing as a formal forum for employers and trade
renewed commitment to BC registration, unions within a particular industry to Driving compliance through awareness
working closely with stakeholders to raise negotiate and regulate employment terms. Despite the clear benefits, SAFI
awareness and drive compliance. For furniture manufacturers, especially has found that many manufacturers
small and medium-sized enterprises, BCs remain unaware of the importance of
“Bargaining Councils are not just provide an accessible and affordable way BC registration or are daunted by the
a statutory requirement – they’re a to address industry-specific challenges administrative process. To address this,
cornerstone of ethical business and a and foster a level playing field. SAFI has launched a series of campaigns
thriving industry,” From wage structures and skills and one-on-one engagements aimed at
says Greg Boulle, CEO of SAFI. development, to grievance procedures increasing compliance across the sector.

“In 2024, we found that a significant
number of employers who were paying
Skills Development Levies (SDLs) were not
compliant with Workplace Skills Plans,”
says Boulle.
“Our job is to close that gap by offering
practical support and resources to help
companies get on board.”

SAFI’s initiatives include:
• Detailed communications explaining
the BC mandate,
• Online sessions that walk
manufacturers through registration
and funding application processes
• Partnerships with education and
training institutions to ensure that
new industry entrants understand
their obligations from day one.

Building the case for industry stability
Stability in the furniture manufacturing
sector has wide-reaching implications –

8 Issue 289 • dw