Employees getting a special visit during workers month
The first activity the Department of Labour: Free State embarked upon during this Workers Month saw scores of workers converging to different strategic points in their respective workplaces to get first-hand information about their rights and the services of the department.
This was in the wake of a special visit to seven companies and factories in Bloemfontein which saw provincial management team accompanied by officials with different competencies in terms of the core functions of the department.
The purpose of the visits was to share vital information and to interact with workers on some of the challenges and concerns they have about their employers and the Department of Labour at large.
“Workers are selflessly contributing in unlocking the economic potential of South Africa and breaking the shackles of poverty and joblessness.
We therefore ought to make sure that their working conditions are conducive for such achievement,” said Ms. Nomfundo Douw-Jack, Acting Chief Director: Provincial Operations.
Thus we felt propelled to pay special attention to their needs by bringing crucial information at their doorstep,” concluded Ms. Nomfundo Douw-Jack, Acting Chief Director: Provincial Operations.
Fidelity Security Group, Itau Milling, Clover SA, Coca Cola Breweries South Africa, Continental Beverages, Interstate Bus Lines as well as SA Breweries are seven companies which gladly opened their doors to host the department.
All of these companies felt this was a perfect opportunity for their employees to interact with Labour officials.
“This will really boost their moral and make them feel valued by both the company they work for and government in general. We therefore felt it would be selfish of us to deny them this opportunity to interact with the department on issues pertaining their corporate lives.
As Fidelity, we were overwhelmed by the request to host the department, this was indeed a great honour for our Business and Branch, said Mr. Ithapeleng John Moreothata – Human Resource Manager for the company.
Some of the issues and concerns workers raised with the department were:
- They pleaded with the department to employ more inspectors to deal with their cases;
- Workers also suggested the department designate inspectors according to sectors;
- Some workers wanted to know as to why the Compensation Fund is not paying for pain whilst others wanted to be taken through the application process for UIF benefits;
The department undertook to revisit the companies for a full inspection which will include another information session to address some of the issues raised.
The day was sealed on a high note with an awareness campaign at Central Park and all the taxi ranks in the Bloemfontein CBD.
The two provincial events follow the official launch of the month-long countrywide programme. This launch was led by the Minister of the Department of Labour, Hon. Mildred Oliphant, on the 25 April 2017.
Taking the cue from this National programme, these two events kick-started a series of provincial commemorative activities which will continue to spread to other regions within the Free State province.
Enquiries:
Josial Ramokoena
Cell: 083 292 4018
E-mail: josial.ramokoena@labour.gov.za
