Abstract
SA ICT sector unions are a major stakeholder in the ER space of the HR division, but it is questionable whether they are effective in negotiating for equitable, unbiased and satisfactory socioeconomic working conditions, benefits and rewards in keeping with the current global obligations and trends. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of labour unionism in the SA ICT sector. It adopted the mixed method research design in order to achieve its objectives which involved three phases. A sequential explanatory mixed method was applied in three specific phases. Phases 1 and 2 were executed by conducting first quantitative, then qualitative research studies respectively. Phase 3 triangulated the findings of phases 1 and 2. In the quantitative phase 1, an online survey questionnaire was conveniently distributed to 500 participants with a response rate of 62.4%. Factor analysis was conducted on phase 1 data. Phase 2 employed semi-structured interviews to gather narrative data from 12 purposefully selected participants. All interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants. Transcripts were both manually coded, then analysed by means of ATLAS.ti software, allowing significant themes to emerge. The triangulation phase 3 merged the quantitative factors and qualitative themes and answered the research questions of this study. Significant findings reveal the following: unions represent employees in employment relations (ER) hearings; poor collaboration exists between employers and employees; union leaders negotiate salary increases; union leaders fail to apply the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions; and unions need to strengthen themselves in order to contribute to the economic performance of South Africa (SA)...
M.Com. (Employment Relations)