26 January 2007
The apparent prevalence of non-compliance that Labour Department inspectors
uncovered during a series of blitz workplace assessments in the Northern Free
State last week, has prompted officials to extend the crackdown in the area �
this time focusing on the farming sector � from next Monday to Thursday.
Out of 95 workplaces visited around Heilbron near Sasolburg last week,
employers in the domestic, private security, contract cleaning, wholesale and
retail, manufacturing and construction sectors were issued a staggering 52
written undertakings to comply within 21 days or face heavy fines and court
appearances.
The contraventions were particularly rife on Basic Conditions of Employment,
Occupational Health and Safety and Employment Equity Acts � with some workers
not even registered with the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance
Fund.
Next week's four-day scrutiny will see inspectors visit a total of 17 farms
in Bothavile and Viljoenskroon in the Kroonstad region where emphasis will be
on the same laws plus the legislation governing the wages of farm
employees.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 092 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
26 January 2007
