It is important for workers to not only realise the gains that have been achieved in 19 years of democracy but also to commit themselves to adhering to laws that have made all those changes possible.
This is the advice from the Minister of Labour Mrs Mildred Oliphant in her message to workers on the eve of May Day celebrations.
“May Day celebrations come hot on the heels of commemorating our Freedom Day. Clearly, the two days complement each other and no one can deny that the achievement of our freedom was to a large part predicated on the involvement of trade unions in not only shaping our new labour dispensation but also of recognising that workers’ rights are human rights.
The celebration of May Day, as it is popularly, has a long history in South Africa dating as far back as 1904. It continued to be celebrated unofficially for many years until 1961 when the National Party government acted against Workers Day by excluding it from wage determinations and industrial council agreements. By 1965, it was no longer celebrated by South African workers.
“After the re-emergence of the independent unions, there was a strong campaign in the 1980s to win back May Day as a day on which workers could celebrate their unity and their struggle for improved rights and working conditions,. So it was natural that when the democratic government took over, May Day became one of the public holidays in keeping with international practice,” she said.
Oliphant paid tribute struggle heroes who had an affinity with or at the centre of the trade union movement, the likes of JB Marks, Elijah Barayi, Emma Mashinini, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Ray Alexander, Ruth First, Curnick Ndlovu and many more.
“The heroes of the trade union movement would be worried about the erosion of collective bargaining which seems to be on the rise. They would be worried that strikes now have become so violent and that people in the name of workers destroy lives and property.
“In their honour and in doing what is correct, I would like to appeal to those involved with the trade union movement to plant a seed that recognises that rights are tempered by responsibilities. Turning to violence negates the important fights for better pay and better working conditions,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the many worker representatives who have taken it upon themselves to improve their qualifications in the field of labour studies. “Education is the key to everything in life and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage those who represent the workers to arm themselves with knowledge. It is only through this knowledge that they would be best able to represent and guide workers accordingly,” she said.
The Minister also said it was important for the Department of Labour to continue funding and assisting civic organisations whose aim was to train workers on their rights. These organisations and advice offices – including the funding for May Day celebrations will see the department disbursing just over R16 million to various entities across the country.
“Some of these organisations do sterling work and contribute to better working conditions in this country. They must continue with the good work in the knowledge that as the department, we will support and assist them as far as possible in entrenching human rights for workers,” she said.
For more information:
Musa Zondi
Cell: 082 901 8081
