The Department of Labour’s inspectorate in collaboration with Transport Department, Road Traffic Inspectors (RTI), National Bargaining Council for Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) , National Truck Drivers Foundation (NTDF), Home Affairs and the Department of Health targeted the freight industry in an operation scheduled for 19-21 November 2018 at Mkhondeni Weigh Bridge in Pietermaritzburg.
So far, the Department of Labour’s inspectors found that more than 30 truck drivers were not registered for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). They collected the details of the employers who are not complying and will be pursuing them to force them to observe the act.
It was also found that several truck drivers mostly from Zimbabwe were not registered with both the UIF and the bargaining council with some not having work permit and proper documents. The Department of Home Affairs dealt with the documentation for foreign nationals.
The NBCRFLI dealt with the truck owners’ compliance with drivers’ working conditions such as wages, bonuses, leave, provident fund, their wellness and other work related issues. It was found that some employers were also not complying with these conditions and they will also face the might of the law.
In addition to the issues dealt with by the NBCRFLI, the NTDF is concerned with road safety, drivers training, health and wellness of drivers.
The Department of Health with their mobile clinic offered truck drivers voluntary health screening services. They screened the drivers for HIV & AIDS, Blood Pressure, Tuberculosis, Diabetes and many other illnesses.
The operation concludes today, Wednesday, 21 November.
For more information contact:
Nhlanhla Khumalo
Provincial Communication Officer
Cell: 066 488 0285
