Extension of Main Amending Collective Agreement in the Clothing Manufacturing Industry
The Minister of Employment and Labour has, in terms of section 32(2) of the Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995, declared that the Main Amending Collective Agreement concluded in the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry be extended to non-parties. This means that the conditions specified in the agreement are now binding not only on the original signatories but also on all employers and employees in the clothing manufacturing industry who were not party to the agreement.
The agreement comes into effect from 1 December 2025 and will remain in force until 31 August 2028.
As a result of this notice, all employers operating within the clothing manufacturing industry must comply with the terms of the agreement, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and other employment conditions. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action by the Bargaining Council. The agreement covers issues such as the registration of employees with the council, and new wage tables per region and sector of the industry such as clothing and knitting.
Workers continue to benefit from uniform employment standards, improved job security, and access to dispute resolution mechanisms provided by the council.
The extension ensures fair competition and prevents wage undercutting, promoting stability and sustainability within the sector.
The agreement applies to:
- Employers and employees engaged in clothing manufacturing operations as defined by the Bargaining Council’s constitution.
- Both unionised and non-unionised workplaces within the geographic and operational scope of the industry.
- All parties, including non-signatories, who fall under the industry definition.
