17 January 2007
Several Free State employers who were found to be in contravention of
various labour legislation provisions have been severely reprimanded and could
be taken to court.
The past two days of the ongoing workplace blitz inspections in Northern
Free State have exposed several employers as taking liberties with the law �
failing to comply with various labour law provisions.
The four-day crackdown by Department of Labour inspectors started on Monday
and is assessing employers' compliance on among others, Basic Conditions of
Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Employment Equity Act
(EEA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases as well as the
Occupational Health and Safety Acts (OHS).
The inspections are focusing mainly on private security, contract cleaning,
wholesale and retail, manufacturing and construction and all other sectors
where the Acts apply.
In 43 workplaces visited in Heilbron near Sasolburg so far, inspectors
issued employers with a staggering 24 written undertakings to comply within 21
days or risk being fined or worse still, being dragged to court.
Most culprits were found to be contravening the working conditions and wage
regulations applicable to their businesses in terms of the law.
In some of the workplaces, employees were working without any contracts, pay
slips or attendance registers and were being underpaid. Some were not even
registered with the UIF and the Compensation Fund, while compliance with OHS
regulations was non-existent.
Inspections will continue until tomorrow.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: Zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
17 January 2007
