media statement by...
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR,
Business & organised labour welcome the Labour Law Amendments as beneficial to job creation
30 July 2002

Speaking at the launch of the Labour Law Amendments yesterday in Midrand, Business South Africa's representative Mr. Nic van Vuuren welcomed the launch of the labour law amendments. Mr. Van Vuuren said that it has once again been a long journey with many potholes but that "we" have finally arrived at the end of the process.

"At the outset it is necessary to place the position of business into perspective. Business places on record its full support and co-operation with regards to the implementation of the amended labour laws and will do all it can to ensure that the process is a success," said Van Vuuren.

He further said that even though Business supported these amendments they did have a number of issues that they did not support which are in respect to section 189A of the Labour Relations Act that regulates large-scale dismissal for operational reasons.

"Business acknowledges that there have been some positive introductions but wish to point out that they were introduced as part of the compromises that were reached along the negotiating process. We acknowledge that most of the amendments formed the basis of consensus," said Van Vuuren.

He urged the audience that now that the new legislation is in place that "we" need to move forward with a common purpose of growing the economy and creating needed jobs.

"Both labour and business need to realise that this is not going to be without pain and hence the challenge is to lift ourselves above playing chapter and verse of the laws against each other but rather to be proactive in preventing unnecessary and costly disputes," said Van Vuuren.

Cosatu's general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi echoed the sentiments of organised business when he said that there is a need to celebrate the coming into force of the labour law amendments, which protects the rights of ordinary workers in the country.

Mr. Vavi said that some of the amendments includes the right to strike against retrenchments; the substantial improvements in the rights of workers who face a transfer; the strengthening of dispute settlement procedures and for ensuring that the core rights in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) can be varied only with agreement from the union, for example on ships at sea where the working time requirements are not really appropriate.

"We also hope that to take our lessons from negotiating these amendments forward into other engagements to transform our society and our economy to benefit our people. In particular, we look forward to strong agreements that can improve investment, job creation and equity at the upcoming Growth and Development Summit, " Mr. Vavi said.

Issued by:
        Chief Directorate of Communication
        Department of Labour

Inquiries:
        Dr Snuki Zikalala
        082 561 3842