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Decent Work

Job creation and decent work - key tests for labour department

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:18

The ability to contribute to job creation, while at the same time strive for decent work will be the key challenge of the Department of Labour’s policies in the years ahead, says Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant.

The minister was speaking at the annual labour policy conference in Pretoria earlier today.

“We have to ensure that our policies do not have negative consequences for employment. Some may want to argue that our priority should be decent work. I would however, caution against getting into an 'either or' debate."

She said it was critical that Nedlac’s social partners engage seriously and vigorously with the proposed amendments to the labour laws.

“I am sure we would all want the amendments to be passed into law as soon as possible so that the legal reforms can begin to change labour relations and the operation of the labour market for the better,’’ she said.

Oliphant cited eight strategic objectives of the department in the next five years:

• contributing to employment creation
• promoting equity in the labour market
• protecting vulnerable workers
• strengthening multilateral and bilateral relations
• strengthening social protection
• promoting sound labour relations
• strengthening the capacity of labour market institutions, and
• strengthening the institutional capacity of the department.

Oliphant said through the proposed changes, the department wanted to strengthen the powers of the inspectorate. This will see non-compliance with the law being criminalised and penalties being increased for violation of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Employment Equity Act.

“The Labour Relations Act is also being amended to strengthen the enforcement of arbitration awards issued by the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as well as Bargaining and Statutory Councils,’’ said the minister.

The annual labour policy conference is being held under the theme “The Department of Labour’s five-year strategic plan and policy issues in 2011.”

The full text of the Minister of Labour's speech is available on: www.skills-universe.com/profiles/blogs/

BuaNews report edited by the Skills Portal