1. Introduction
The DDPR is a semi-autonomous labour tribunal,
established in terms of section 46B of the Lesotho
Labour Code (Amendment) Act, 2000 (the Act). It has been
established as a juristic person. It is independent of
the government, political parties, trade unions,
employers and employers’ organizations.
2. The Functions
In terms of the establishing Act, the DDPR has the
following four (4) statutory functions:
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To attempt to prevent trade (labour) disputes from
arising or escalating;
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To resolve trade disputes through conciliation and
arbitration;
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To advise employers, employers’ organizations,
employees and trade unions on the prevention and
resolution of trade disputes; and
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To compile and publish information about of its
activities, statistics on dispute prevention and
resolution and significant arbitration awards.
3. The Funding
To achieve its functions the DDPR is funded by monies
appropriated by the Parliament of Lesotho.
4. The Structure
The institution consists of the Director (who is the
Chief Accounting Officer), the Deputy Director,
Conciliators, Arbitrators appointed by the Minister in
consultation with the Industrial Relations Council (the
IRC) and other members of staff appointed by the
Director.
The DDPR operates from three main regional offices, (1)
Post Office Building, Maseru; (2) Teba Complex, Leribe;
and (3) Opposite Race Course, Mohale’s Hoek. It also has
seven satellite offices in other districts of Lesotho. |