The effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes and practices in the public hospital system with specific reference to Pelonomi Hospital (Bloemfontein, Free State)
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Date
2001-04
Authors
Matebesi, Sethulego Zacheus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The general aim of this study is to analyse and assess the factors/issues that
have an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes
and practices in the public hospital system. Thus, the study is directed towards
the analysis and assessment of "structural factors" (joint worker-employer
committees) and "procedural factors" (discipline, dismissal, performance
appraisal and grievance procedures) that direct and influence the labour relations
process at public hospitals. The overall study design was first of all exploratory
and descriptive, but of necessity also directed towards the development of
suggestions for practical interventions in problem solving, decision-making and
policy-making.
The study was conducted at Pelonomi Hospital in Mangaung, Greater
Bloemfontein. Eighty nurses and forty-two blue-collar workers, were the primary
respondents. Other respondents included management at provincial and national
level, trade union representatives and supervisors of blue-collar workers. Data
was collected by means of structured questionnaires and a focus group session
with supervisors of blue-collar workers. The systems and open systems theories
directed the study. In this regard five themes were identified: working conditions
and remuneration, trade unionism, strikes, grievance and disciplinary
procedures, and labour relations practices. The majority of the respondents were female. Most respondents (nurses and
blue-collar workers) reported dissatisfaction with their salaries and the late and/or
nonpayment of allowances. Despite the important role that unions play at
institutional level, there is a perception that they are fuelling discontent among
workers. Potential causes of strikes appeared to be more closely linked to
discrimination than to ineffective grievance and disciplinary procedures.
Respondents' knowledge about the existence of grievance and disciplinary
procedures was extensive. Largely because of a perception that workers are treated differently, the vast majority of respondents indicated that these
procedures are handled inconsistently. In conclusion, it is essential that the poor
chain of labour relations is broken. Firm foundations have been laid for
transformation of labour relations in the public health sector, in general. A healthy
public hospital system can only be created and preserved if all parties embrace
the current changes.
Description
Keywords
Labor unions -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein, Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein, Collective bargaining -- Hospitals -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein, Dissertation (M.A. (Sociology))--University of the Free State, 2001