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Anxious Business Waits for Clarity on SA Labour Bills

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South African employers and employees wait with bated breath to get clarity on the extent of the amendments to the draft labour bills.

The Minister of Labour publicly called for the finalisation of the bills by October 2011. This deadline has passed without the bills being finalised. Whilst NEDLAC is set to brief the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Labour on 15 November 2011, it appears unlikely that the bills would be promulgated into law by May 2012, as per the Minister’s wish.

“While workers seek greater protection and job security, employers will be hoping that any additional restrictions contained in the final bills will be limited to the bare minimum. This is especially true in industries faced with small profit margins where further limitations could push those businesses teetering on the  edge of viability into the abyss,” explains Sherisa Rajah, Senior Associate, Employment practice, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) released labour bills for comment to the greater public early this year. The labour bills sought to amend the Labour Relations Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Employment Equity Act. NEDLAC also released the Employment Services Bill, a new addition to the employment law statutes.

“The labour bills were open to comment by the public. Interest groups made representations with the aim of influencing the final laws to be enacted. Labour brokers, for instance, raised alarm as to the impact of the proposed amendments on their industry,” Rajah says.

Rajah notes that employers also questioned the wisdom of introducing further limitations on the already strained flexibility enjoyed by employers to hire new staff and dismiss those already in its employ. Many felt that the legislature missed an opportunity to create a more flexible regulatory framework that could assist in stimulating the job market at a time when unemployment is a national scourge.

“At present, the Labour Relations Bill inter alia imposes a limitation on the use of fixed term contracts of employment. It provides that an employee must be employed permanently unless the employer can justify the need for fixed term employment. Further, in an attempt to regulate labour broking, the bill abolishes section 198 of the LRA (which currently regulates labour brokers).

“The Employment Equity Bill inter alia provides that workers must be paid the same when performing work of equal value.

“Among others, the Employment Services Bill regulates the operation of private employment agencies and implements a public employment agency which provides recruitment and placement services free of charge,” she adds.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.