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The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) celebrates World Day for Decent Work under the theme: “End Corporate Greed”. Decent work as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) encompasses opportunities for work that is productive and provides a fair income, social protection and security at the both the workplace and household level, prospects for personal growth and development, as well as freedom for workers to express  any apprehensions and participate in decisions affecting their lives. FEDUSA is of the opinion that decent work must be at the focal point of the actions of government to restore economic growth and accelerate the recovery of the economy, by putting workers first, said Dennis George, FEDUSA General Secretary.
                                  
In South Africa, with the shift from the apartheid regime to a democratic representation, the economy opened up to the forces of globalisation through trade and financial liberalisation. This resulted in significant political, social and economic changes. The participation and ongoing integration of the country in the global economy altered and restructured the labour market significantly. One of the fundamental cost-saving strategies that companies utilise in their adaptation and response to the challenges of globalisation is outsourcing, a form of atypical employment. FEDUSA condemns this system of employment as it profit driven at the expense of workers. Many of the companies that provide outsourcing services are able to do the work for considerably less money, as they don't have to provide benefits to their workers and have fewer overhead expenses to worry about and big profits. This form of employment is purely exploitation and violation of the rights of workers and it embeds insecurity, undermines the basic conditions of employment act, erodes workplace rights and decreases access to skills and equity at work, maintained George

FEDUSA is of the view that the growing trend of atypical forms of employment will result in greater instability within the labour market as well as social and economic security and these could negatively impact on job creation and employment growth and on the reduction of poverty and inequality. It is therefore important for the social partners to engage in NEDLAC on various proposals and legislative considerations to address these challenges and the concern of the growing trend of atypical work in the country, emphasised George.

It is further imperative to improve the minimum standards and provide enhanced protection to atypical workers. The Federation therefore, calls on all organisations to put workers first and to support and promote decent work in whichever way possible, so that workers can enjoy fair wages, better living and working conditions, social security, safety and protection for them and their families. The government also needs to play a critical role in ensuring that the vast majority of our tax money is utilised effectively and towards the creation of decent jobs for decent lives for all, concludes Dennis George.

Issued by FEDUSA