Extension of Main Collective Agreement – National Textile Bargaining Council
The Department of Employment and Labour has published Government Notice R.6794 of 2025, confirming the extension of the Main Collective Agreement for the National Textile Bargaining Council. This extension means that the terms negotiated within the council now apply beyond the original signatory parties, covering additional employers and employees in the textile sector.
The notice formally extends the existing collective agreement to non-party employers and employees within the textile industry. This ensures uniformity in employment conditions, wages, and benefits across the sector, reducing disparities and promoting fair labour practices.
As a result of this notice, all textile employers – including those not originally part of the bargaining council – must comply with the agreement’s provisions. This may involve adjustments to wage structures, working hours, and benefits to align with the stipulated standards.
Workers gain access to improved protections and benefits negotiated under the agreement, fostering better working conditions and job security.
The extension promotes stability and consistency, reducing the risk of unfair competition based on labour costs.
The agreement applies to:
- All employers engaged in textile manufacturing and related operations within South Africa.
- All employees working in these establishments, regardless of union membership or prior affiliation with the bargaining council.
This extension underscores the government’s commitment to equitable labour standards and collective bargaining as a cornerstone of labour law.
