Social partners from organised labour and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) were united in stressing the continued need for social dialogue in addressing the plight of workers in their respective places of employment.
This they said at the Department of Labour’s three day Inspectors ‘conference in Cape Town on Thursday. The event is taking place under the theme: 'Social Dialogue in enforcement.'
Eddie De Klerk, who represented the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) said social dialogue was critical in ensuring that the rights of workers are respected.
We should never forget that workers’ rights are human rights and that we must not allow the employers to put profit above the rights of workers. Equally, we must be vocal about safety in the workplace and work with the inspectorate to promote Occupational Health and Safety.
He said social dialogue would ensure that NEDLAC social partners would forever put health and safety of workers on their agenda.
Frieda Oosthuizen, National Treasurer of Congress of South African Trade Unions, said social dialogue needs to be strengthened in the interest of protecting all the vulnerable people in the workplace. She called on labour inspectors to make it their business to visit workplaces even in the absence of crisis.
Vic van Vuuren, Director of ILO in Southern Africa said social dialogue needs to be brought back into the world.
“We have lost the ability to speak to each other to resolve our differences. It is unfortunate that nowadays we always think of social dialogue in relation to collective bargaining and wages,” Van Vuuren said.
He listed some of the labour market challenges as high unemployment – People becoming desperate – People becoming vulnerable and people being taken advantage of. The conference will end tomorrow, Friday with speakers focusing on stress management in the workplace as well as the inspectors’ role in achieving decent work.
Enquiries:
Page Boikanyo, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 3195
Mothusi Legwale
Provincial Communication Officer - Northern Cape
Cell: 082 82 3138
Tel: 053 383 8159
For more information contact:
Ms Candice van Reenen
Provincial Communication Officer - Western Cape
Cell: 083 243 3353
Tel: 021 441 8129
Fax: 021 441 8111
E-mail: candice.vanreenen@labour.gov.za
