<P> The Labour Relations Act was passed in 1995, and subsequently experienced major amendments in 1996, 1998 and 2002 . Its stated purpose is to "give effect to section 27 of the Constitution" by regulating organisational rights of trade unions, promoting collective bargaining, regulating the right to strike and the recourse to lockouts, as well as providing mechanisms for dispute resolution and the establishment of Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court as superior courts, "with exclusive jurisdiction to decide matters arising from the Act". The act also addresses employee participation in decision - making, and international law obligations in respect to labour relations . </P> <P> The Labour Relations Act does not apply to the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, or the South African Secret Service . </P> <P> Bargaining councils are formed by registered trade unions and employers' organisations . They deal with collective agreements, attempt to solve labour disputes, and make proposals on labour policies and laws . As well, they may administer pension funds, sick pay, unemployment and training schemes, and other such benefits for their members . The Amended Labour Relations Act also notes that these councils are to "extend the services and functions of the bargaining council to workers in the informal sector and home workers ." </P> <P> Agency Shop Agreements are struck by a majority trade union (either one union, or a coalition of unions representing the majority of workers employed) and an employer or employers' organisation . This agreement requires employers to deduct a fee from the wages of non-union workers to "ensure that non-union workers, who benefit from the union's bargaining efforts, make a contribution towards those efforts". </P>

Influence of trade unions on political and social transformation in south africa