Chambers Overview
INTRODUCTION
The Council has ten (10) Chambers i.e. nine (9) in each province and one (1) at national catering for both the National Departments of Health and Social Development, as follows:
- National
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Western Cape
They are established in terms of a collective agreement i.e. Resolution 2 of 2007 – Operation of Chambers, which also provides for, amongst others, how matters gets table on the agenda and the code of conduct for Chamber members.
STATUS OF CHAMBERS
They are not juristic persons as they are established by the Council to perform functions provided for in the Council constitution, to ensure labour peace in the sector by maintaining orderly collective bargaining. The Council exists at national and makes decisions covering the employees and the employer within its scope as outlined in its constitution. The Chambers serve as consultative and bargaining structures at their level on matters of mutual interest. They discuss specific matters relevant to each of them (Chambers) within their boundaries and refer to the Council all cross cutting issues including those requiring clarity especially on the interpretation and application of national collective agreements. They elect the leadership annually from the parties i.e. Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons, for a one (1) year term of office who together with the Chamber Secretary form the Chamber Management Committee. They advise parties on the resolution relating to the operations of the Chambers and manage the constituencies represent, together with the spokespersons (Employer and Labour).
CONCLUSION
The Chambers implement decisions taken by the Council. As decided by the Council they are expected to have an annual operational workshops to pave their way forward from the national strategic and operational plans. The Chambers report their activities to the Council on a quarterly basis. The disputes are referred and managed by the Council at national level however, it utilises venues in the provinces.
Constitution
The constitution of the Council, Resolution 2 of 2006, as amended, prescribes the governance of the Council.