The Department of Labour’s investigation into wages and other conditions of employment in the funeral undertaking business continued with vigour with stakeholders in the industry showing palpable interest in Thohoyandou on Monday.
The process is being spearheaded by the Employment Conditions Commission (ECC) – the body that advises the Minister on wages and conditions of employment – and hopes to culminate with a report to the Minister early in the coming year after which she will make a determination.
The sector covers activities such as conducting funerals, treating or preparing corpses for disposal by burial, cremation or any other method. Kekulu Padi, assistant director of employment standards, said although a wage determination existed under the previous order and was cancelled, the ECC indicated that, “the protection was still necessary because employees were still vulnerable. We are trying to align the conditions of services with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)."
She called on stakeholders to make inputs, adding that “I really encourage you to participate in order to influence the new sectoral determination.’’ One industry role player said: “We are very excited about this road show as it will enable us to operate within the confines of the law. What we however, need is more education to the industry about the BCEA in particular and the labour laws in general."
Another called for an indaba for the industry where all role players – big and small – will exchange views.
Padi said prior to the Minister making the final determination; the ECC will take into account:
- ability to conduct the business successfully;
- creation and retention of employment;
- effect on small business;
- alleviation of poverty; and
- cost of living.
Padi’s presentation to dozens of industry role players came hot on the heels of similar campaigns in the Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, with Mpumalanga remaining.
For more information:
Johannes Mokou, Department of Labour
Cell: 082 908 1833
Media enquiries please contact:
Mogodi Masenya
Cell: 078 281 7777
Kekulu Padi
Cell: 082 4981359
