Admin
24 Apr, 2018
Changes to labour legislations must go back to #Nedlac for broader consultation
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) makes an urgent call on government to refer the proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, as well as the introduction of the National Minimum Wages Bill, back to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). These proposed changes are tantamount to rolling back progress made thus far in terms of the rights of the working class. From the thunderous outcry of various key role players, that the consultation process around these laws was flawed, it is clear the government did not do its due diligence. The voices of several unions and union federations were simply not heard. Government leaders like President Ramaphosa, Deputy President DD Mabuza and Minister Gwede Mantashe, whom all have their political careers – and the powers they wield – thanks to their union roots, must surely understand that ignoring key role-players, or putting some before others, is a recipe for disaster. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and big business cannot be the only influencers at Nedlac. The other union federations such as South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) must be given an opportunity to present their views, vent their frustrations and form part of the collective decision. Their participation cannot be denied just because they do not meet a convenient threshold to exclude certain bodies. In addition, a great portion of our national economy and future prosperity rests in small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Therefore, organisations like the Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) must also be represented at Nedlac. The UDM believes that no law must be foisted on an unsuspecting public, especially when it runs the risk of contradicting the constitution and infringes on people’s rights as enshrined in our ultimate law.
Admin
01 Dec, 1997
Jobs summit: acclaim for breakthrough
Statement by Bantu Holomisa and Roelf Meyer The UDM is extremely grateful for the agreement reached at Nedlac on the presidential jobs summit planned for the second quarter of 1998. We have taken note of the two phased approach towards the summit and the follow-up phase envisaged. Although proper planning is essential, it is a pity that this most desperate need of so many of our fellow South Africans took so long to receive the proper attention it deserves. It is, however, clear that sufficient new jobs are not going to be created by government and big business alone. The only way to achieve sustainable success in this area, the UDM believes, will be to start with relevant programmes at grass roots level, targeting individuals and households. We need to bring jobs to the townships. In the quest for urgent and creative solutions to this priority issue, the UDM will hold an economic workshop early in the new year. This workshop will involve experts in the respective fields of economic planning, labour and related issues. The UDM will therefore be in a position to creatively take part in the consultation and negotiation phase towards the proposed presidential summit. If the war against unemployment is not won, a sea of desperation and hopelessness will obliterate many of the good things that South Africa has achieved so far. Unemployment needs to be an urgent national priority.
