The Role of Trade Unions During Disciplinary Hearings in Public Schools

Abstract

There are limited studies that have explored on the role of trade unions in public sector, and in public schools. The aim of the study was to explore on the role of trade unions in protecting the interest of workers during disciplinary hearings at public school in Limpopo province, South Africa. Exploratory qualitative research was adopted to achieve the aim of the study. Fifteen educators affiliated to two educator’s trade unions were interviewed to address the aim of the study. The stakeholder theory was adopted as a theoretical lens in the study. The primary data was analysed using content anal-ysis. The findings of the study made a significant contribution by revealing how these trade unions are involved in representing the interest of educators during disciplinary hearings. In addition, the study made significant contribution and offered recommendations to stakeholders in public schools. Lastly, the study offered future research directions on the topic.