Date: 14/06/2004
Source: Department of Labour
Title: M Mdladlana: Commends Zimbabwean workers for goodwill at ILO


STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF LABOUR, MMS MDLADLANA -COMMENDS ZIMBABWEAN WORKERS FOR GOODWILL, 14 June 2004

I commend the workers and the government of Zimbabwe for the goodwill that both sides have shown in terms of the addressing the issues that are before the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

During the course of this conference the South African government delegation held meetings with the worker and government delegations of Zimbabwe. There was also a meeting where the three delegations met together. I would like to thank the Zimbabweans for agreeing:

* That labour issues should be separated and differentiated from the national political questions facing Zimbabwe

* That the people of Zimbabwe are tired of in fighting and wish to discuss the problems and challenges facing the country. That frank and open talks will lead to an improvement in the economic performance of the country

* That the process of amending Zimbabwean labour legislation should continue

* That the Zimbabwean Ministry of Labour will consider submissions on the labour market regime made to it by the Zimbabwean Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and other stakeholders in the trade union movement

* That the Kadoma Declaration is a basis for agreement between the ZCTU and government

* That tripartite talks on these matters will be reconvened.

That ZCTU will participate in tripartite discussions and will endeavour to sign the Kadoma Declaration.

That security legislation will not be used to impede the operations of trade unions in Zimbabwe and that organisations within the trade union movement can convene properly constituted meetings for members.

That trade unions will refrain from organising open-ended labour forums that may have unintended consequences.

South Africa will not abandon the people of Zimbabwe and I will be signing a bilateral agreement with the Zimbabwean Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Security.

It is on the basis of the agreement with ZCTU and the government of Zimbabwe that we reached with during the International Labour Conference that we see no need for a direct contact mission of the ILO to Zimbabwe.

I would like to add that the trade union movement in South Africa has indicated its readiness to interact and assist the workers of Zimbabwe at anytime when so requested.

Enquiries:
Monwabisi Maclean
Cell: 082 809 3195
Issued by: Ministry of Labour
14 June 2004