‘Decent work’ could create a thriving construction industry in South Africa

Here are four pillars that employers, workers and the public can play a role in upholding to ensure the sector is safer and more productive

The concept of “decent work” is one that the government, labour unions, employers and market analysts encourage if South Africa is to further its growth ambitions.

The idea is that work is not only seen as a source of income but a vehicle for personal dignity, societal stability and job creation.

But decent work can only be realised when there are meaningful benefits for employees. This has advantages for both employer and employees in that labour turnover is limited while labour is also migrated from informal to formal employment. This in turn increases productivity and creates a safer building industry.

The country’s construction sector, of which the building industry forms a significant part, is an important player in job creation with an impact on a range of other sectors such as manufacturing, mining, transport, real estate and business services. It accounts for 8% of total registered employment, with a 2.5% share of nominal GDP.

At the same time, it is also worth noting that about 70% of jobs in the construction industry are semi-, low- and unskilled.

In 2022, the governments of South Africa and Switzerland, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation, officially launched the ILO Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work programme, which identifies the root causes of decent work deficits and develops capacity and local and national actions to address them.

But the reality is that discussions with stakeholders in the informal are not always possible, leading to exploitation.

There is very little chance of decent work without upskilling the building sector’s workforce.

The decline of skilled personnel, particularly artisans, is putting the industry at risk and must be addressed systematically to ensure that the sector attracts and retains recognised skilled employees.

To ensure that building sector employees receive meaningful benefits, the following four pillars must be focused on:

The first is “productive employment and sustainable enterprise”, which is evident in a workforce that comprises a core team with the requisite skills to contribute productively to the types of building activities performed. New entrants to the business will also be exposed to learning opportunities.

The second pillar, “standards and basic rights at work”, focuses on collective bargaining which provides a platform for all labour players to engage in negotiations for minimum wages to be improved at industry level, ensuring that labour costs are standardised. When every workplace negotiates directly with employees on wages and employment benefits, strikes and work stoppages often occur.

“Social security and/or social protection for all” is the third pillar and involves negotiating at industry level for improved wages and employee benefits for all, even those at the lowest level. Labourers picked up at the roadside, on the other hand, will probably be paid exploitative wages and no benefits.

The fourth and final pillar, “promotion of social dialogue, including collective bargaining”, emphasises the mandate of bargaining councils with respect to dispute prevention and resolution.

Employers also have a responsibility to create conditions conducive to advancing the decent work agenda. This can be done by providing solid employment opportunities, upholding rights at work in compliance with labour laws, respecting the collective bargaining process and communicating effectively with employees.

In addition, the public — encompassing all stakeholders in society who benefit from, and influence, the labour market in the building industry — can ensure the provision of decent work in a variety of ways. They can provide work to employers who are registered with official bargaining councils, demonstrate ethical labour practices, including patronising businesses that are known for treating their employees well. 

They can also support policies and regulations that protect workers’ rights, such as fair wages, benefits, reasonable working hours and safe working conditions.

Other ways the public can contribute include supporting financial institutions and investment funds that prioritise ethical practices. Stakeholders should also be willing to pay fair prices for building services and projects, understanding that lower costs often come at the expense of decent living wages.

Government initiatives aimed at improving labour conditions and promoting decent work should be supported, while collaborations with non-profit organisations, such as an official bargaining council, can make a substantial impact.

Luyanda Mgqamqo is the labour spokesperson and Danie Hattingh the business spokesperson at the Western Cape-based Building Industry Bargaining Council.