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19 September 2024

Act A100: Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024 comes into operation on 15 September 2024. This is an Act to amend the Trade Unions Act 1959.


Recent procedural changes include an increase in the time frame for the registration of a trade union to six months, and a restriction of the grounds for refusal or cancellation of such registrations. Membership rules have also shifted, now permitting the multiplicity of trade unions and lowering the minimum age for union membership from 16 to 15. Furthermore, trade unions are prohibited from restricting their memberships based on race, religion, or nationality, ensuring a more inclusive membership policy.
 
Significant changes have also been made to the process of calling for strikes. The threshold for a union’s strike or lockout has been lowered, although dismissed, discharged, retrenched, or retired workmen can retain union membership, they are barred from voting on strike-related matters. Additionally, the Director General has been granted the power to conduct investigations and enforce regulations, while union leaders, such as the president, secretary, treasurer, or officers, may now face legal liability for offences committed under the Act.

Click here for the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024.