Invoking the Right to Human Dignity in the Context of Farm Workers: Liberating an Oppressed Group

Abstract

Farm workers in South Africa experience abuse at the hands of their employer despite their acknowledged contribution to the economy. There have been several attempts to address their ill-treatment, including government intervention. Notwithstanding such initiatives, little has changed. This article argues that unionisation of farm workers is necessary to address this problem as a means to make individual workers aware that they can take action in relation to an employer who infringes upon their rights. It further argues that the Department of Labour should actively monitor compliance with its regulations with the help of specialised labour inspectors.