Public debate into the proposed labour law amendments got off to a good start with rigorous engagements by stakeholders from organised labour, members of the public and business as well government departments.
This was the first of a number of public consultations that will be held countrywide following the labour Minister’s announcement of the proposed amendments in December 2010.
The proposed amendment bills for the Labour Relations Act (LRA), the Employment Equity Act (EEA), the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) as well as the new Employment Services Bill were discussed today (18 January) in Cape Town.
According to a statement released by Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant on 15 December last year, “These current amendments have their origins in the growing actualisation of work that has become a feature of the South African Labour market over the past decade.”
Stakeholders at today’s session raised concerns ranging from the constitutionality of some of the proposals to job losses that might be created as a result of the amendments as well as concerns of the effectiveness of the proposed dispute resolution process.
Speaking in Cape Town during the first round of the public consultations, Thembinkosi Mkalipi said “As a department we can assure the public that we will not do anything unconstitutional, hence our open invite to members of the public to input on these proposals. Our intention is to cultivate a labour market which is conducive, not only to employers but to the workers as well and most importantly one that affords and opportunity for job creation and decent work”.
Mkalipi added that this process will still go to
National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) where social partners will engage further on these proposed amendments. “It’s still early days, consultations on this matter will continue before it is tabled in parliament. We will take into account all the comments in this regard.”
Tomorrow, 19 January the consultations will be held in Port Elizabeth at the King Edward Hotel.
For enquires contact:
Mzobanzi Jikazana
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 083 641 2355
E-mail: mzobanzi.jikazana@labour.gov.za
Source: Department of Labour
