The public briefing sessions on both Private Security and Civil Engineering Sectors, which officially commence tomorrow throughout Limpopo Province are expected to bring far reaching changes by re-looking at the conditions of employment and minimum wages in these two sectors.
The briefing sessions will be held in Thohoyandou’s Peermont Metcourt Khoroni on 16 May 2012 at 10h00 and continue at Tzaneen’s Fairview River Lodge on 17 May 2012 also at 10h00. The 18th May 2012 will see the conclusion of the briefings at Polokwane’s Moshate lodge wherein the public briefings on Private Security Sector will start at 10h00 and those of Civil Engineering Sector will follow at 13h00.
Phaswane Tladi (Mr), Deputy Director Inspection and Enforcement Services at the Department of Labour highlighted that the purpose of these briefings is to consult with stakeholders within these sectors as they are normally revised every three years.
“The issue here is to find out whether the sectors can carry the proposed changes of employment conditions including the changes in minimum wages without creating a burden that may lead in collapse of businesses.” Tladi added.
He further added that during the briefings on Civil Engineering Sector the aim would also be to obtain inputs from employers, trade unions and employees on the feasibility of extending the scope of Civil Engineering Sector to cover the Building and Construction Sector.
Turning the focus to Private Security Sector, Shaun Feldman (Mr), Deputy Director of Labour Relations: Employment Standards at the Department of Labour said the current minimum wage dispensation for the sector expires on 31 August 2012. This therefore means that a new minimum wage dispensation for the sector needs to be published by 1 September 2012.
“Hence it is important that all those that will be affected, the employers and employees participate in the process so that their inputs are considered when the new determination comes to effect,” he said.
Feldman continued to say that the review applies to every employer and employee in the private security sector including the car guards. He said the scope of coverage includes those that guard or protect fixed property, goods, premises and persons or employees, including monitoring and responding to alarms at premises which are guarded by electronic means. He however stated that the determination excludes manager(s) and those subject to bargaining council agreements.
NB: Media is invited.
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