The Development of Industrial Law In Mauritius

Abstract

This article examines the development of industrial law in Mauritius starting from the days of the abolition of slavery in 1834 down to the Industrial Relations Act 1973, the current law on this subject. The approach adopted is a contextual one. The content of the law is examined but the focus is on its operation and its relevance on industrial relations practice in Mauritius. Four broad periods have been identified; the abolition of slavery and its replacement by the indentured system, the period of operation of the Industrial Associations Ordinance of 1938, the period of “collective laissez-faire” introduced by the Trade Union Ordinance and Trade Disputes Ordinance of 1954 and modern times with the current Industrial Relations Act.