Second Annual Employment and Labour Relations Court Symposium and Exhibition (ELRASE II)

The Hon. Chief Justice Opened the Second Annual Employment and Labour Relations Court Symposium and Exhibition (ELRASE II). This is in line with our commitment to engaging stakeholders in continuous dialogue, in line with the principle of “cooperative dialogue” championed in the Judiciary’s ‘Social Transformation through Access to Justice’ (STAJ) blueprint. These ongoing conversations with stakeholders and court users provide crucial feedback and help us identify areas for improvement. The benefits of such engagement are already evident. The Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) has made significant progress, particularly in enhancing court performance. In the last Financial Year, the Court achieved an impressive Case Clearance Rate of 190%, resolving 8,014 cases against 4,210 new filings. By the end of June 2024, the Court had reduced its backlog by 30%, lowering pending cases from 9,896 at the beginning of the Financial Year to 6,966. Notably, only 240 cases were pending in the court system for more than three years, moving the Court closer to the STAJ goal of ensuring no case remains before a trial court for more than three years. I urge the Court to prioritize resolving these 240 cases by the end of December. This year’s symposium theme, “The Role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Fostering the Right to a World of Work Free from Violence and Harassment, Including Gender-Based Violence and Harassment,” addresses a critical issue. Violence and harassment in the workplace, including gender-based violence, are not just occupational challenges but human rights violations. Both our Constitution and international conventions mandate us to take bold steps to eliminate these injustices. Therefore, the symposium offers an invaluable opportunity for reflection on whether our domestic laws align with global standards and whether the ELRC’s jurisprudence meets the standards set by other comparative jurisdictions. We must also collectively ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to protect employees from violence and harassment? And, whether we are fostering workplaces where everyone can thrive, free from intimidation, abuse, or discrimination?

The Judiciary is leading by example in promoting a workplace free from violence and harassment. We have implemented Gender Mainstreaming, Diversity, and Sexual Harassment Policies aimed at creating a safe and respectful work environment. Additionally, we have established the Employee Protection Unit within the Office of the Chief Justice to investigate complaints regarding harassment of internal employees and court users, and promote proper standards of conduct across Judiciary workplaces.