Issued by: Ministry for Public Enterprises
MEDIA RELEASE BY MS S SIGCAU, M P, MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES, CONCERNING THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY SARHWU 14 DECEMBER 1995
The Government wishes to inform the public that all the airports and harbours are functioning normally again after some difficulties due to industrial action.
The Government remains committed to the position agreed with labour in endorsing the concept of a National Framework Agreement. In line with that process a six-a-side team from Government and Labour convened by the Ministry for Public Enterprises will have its first meeting on Friday 15th December 1995 to negotiate the National Framework Agreement.
A number of the concerns expressed by Labour concerning participation in the Restructuring and Transformation Committees at enterprise level have already been agreed upon and this was conveyed at the meeting with representatives of Labour at COSATU House on Monday morning, 11 December 1995. Agreement has been reached with respect to the disclosure of information concerning the restructuring process and the appointment of advisers to Labour. Other matters are subject to the National Framework Agreement.
The Government reiterates its commitment to a process of transparent consultation with Labour, as articulated by Deputy Vice President Thabo Mbeki:
"It is Government's intention to achieve these (restructuring) goals with minimum negative impact on employees and with the broadest possible involvement of all stakeholders in the process of transformation." (Media Release on Thursday 7 December 1995).
The Government wishes to express its regret for the invonvenience caused to the public.