6 July 2007
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
Director Nerine Khan said her organisation has mooted a new service delivery
turnaround strategy aimed at jerking up the system by 2010.
Khan said this during the official opening of the new CCMA headquarters in
central Johannesburg today (Friday).
She said mediation would be refocused as the core business tool for
resolving workplace disputes.
"The strategy focuses on, among others, client user friendly and realistic
services; sustainable dynamic organisation that is positioned to meet the
commission's future needs; cost effective and allocation of resources to be
appropriate to meet the speedy service delivery."
The CCMA handles more than 500 cases on a daily basis with over 14 000 on
the waiting list, a huge improvement from the 36 000 cases pile-up in previous
years.
The strategy also focuses on rendering services of high quality that are
consistent, effective, faster and compliant with the legislation.
Khan said all dispute settlements before arbitration will be increased by 70
percent by 2010.
"The main challenge for the CCMA was that most cases lie dormant after
referral to the Labour Court. Employers file reviews disputing awards given to
employees. These then lie dormant until employees give up," Khan added.
Labour Minister M Mdladlana welcomed the CCMA's new initiatives.
"The major criticism is on delays in dealing with cases. This is not good
for poor people who depend on the CCMA for workplace dispute resolutions," the
Minister said.
He said it was important the CCMA maintained its autonomy in order to retain
the confidence of its clients. The Minister also challenged trade unions to
check compliance with employment equity and skills development at workplaces.
"This cannot be left to government alone. That is why it is essential to set up
workplace committees," he said.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: Zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
6 July
Source: Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
