The
main functions of the Furniture Bargaining Council (FBC) is overseeing the
overall funds and benefits administration, compliance, enforcement and
exemption of the various Collective Agreements concluded within
its jurisdiction. Through collective
agreements the council ensures uniform conditions of employment and wages to
all companies within the Furniture, Bedding and Upholstery Industry.
Our
bargaining council is an effective mechanism for the facilitation of collective
bargaining between party employer organisations and party trade unions with
minimal disruption to this industry.
Registered establishments and their employees are encouraged to join one
of the employer associations or trade unions which are party to this bargaining
council. In doing so, the views about
labour matters in the industry will be discussed and considered in the
bargaining council forums.
In
terms of section 27 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995) (as
amended) (hereinafter referred to as the Act), one or more registered
employers’ organisations may establish a bargaining council for a specific
sector and area.
The
bargaining council must adopt a constitution which meets the requirements of
section 30 of the Act and must forthwith obtain registration with the
Department of Labour in terms of section 29 of the Act.
In
terms of clause 1 of our Main Collective (MCA), the terms of such agreement
shall be observed by all employees for whom wages are prescribed and the
employers of such employees and any leaners under the Skills Development Act,
1998.
Our
bargaining council’s role then is that of monitoring compliance with the agreed
minimum conditions of employment and this monitoring of compliance can provide
some degree of assurance that the majority of industry employers operate in an
environment of fair competition.
To
Employers (Establishments)
·
Facilitation
of collective bargaining.
·
Standard
conditions of employment applicable to all establishment in the industry.
·
Access
to agents who are knowledgeable about the collective agreements.
·
Time-efficient
dispute resolution service.
To
Employees
·
Minimum
wages, benefits and conditions of employment applicable to the entire
Furniture, Bedding and Upholstery Industry.
·
Assured
confidentiality in handling of queries and complaints.
·
Access
to agents who are knowledgeable about the collective agreements.
·
In-expensive
and easy-to-use dispute resolution service.