Christen Letlhogonolo Pooe, Wilfred Isioma Ukpere
Abstract
South Africa has progressive labour laws to ensure equality and fair treatment of employees, but the application of its fair labour practices is not the same across various organisations. This article examines the factors influencing the implementation of fair labour practices in South African organisations. This research utilised a qualitative phenomenological method within an interpretive framework. The interviews were conducted with ten participants from two Johannesburg-based organisations in South Africa. The findings indicated that there are many factors that affect the implementation of fair labour practice. Participants confirmed HR’s role as pivotal in upholding fairness, additionally poor implementation of workplace policies particularly promotion, leave, and discipline was also found to compromise procedural fairness. Leadership also emerged as a significant factor, with ethical and honest leadership being cited as key to establishing fair organisational cultures. Limited familiarity with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards also revealed a discrepancy between international commitment and national action. Recommendations to ensure a smooth implementation of fair labour practice in the organisation include empowering HR for fairness, address power imbalances, standardising policies and procedures, promoting ethical leadership and localising ILO Conventions.