The original amendments of the LRA 66 of 1995 failed to address a number of areas and the NABC aggressively lobbied for a number of changes. Of major concern, for example, was the exploitation of the definition of an ‘employee’ as set out in the Act.
Independent contractors had been excluded from the scope of the LRA and this omission was addressed with the introduction of Section 200A in the LRA amendments of August 1, 2002. Another major issue largely resolved by the efforts of the NABC was the confusion created by the original LRA 66 of 1995 with regard to the role and powers of council arbitrators and designated agents. Amendments promulgated on August 1, 2002, greatly enhanced the powers of designated agents and bargaining councils.