22 February 2000
The Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana, has noted with concern Cosatu's intention to proceed with a general strike on 10 May and has warned that its impact could be counter-productive.
The Minister said key aspects of Cosatu's concerns had been directly addressed in the review of labour legislation and the introduction of amendments to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Insolvency Act announced by President Thabo Mbeki on 4 February.
Cosatu and other stakeholders had been fully consulted in identifying aspects of legislation for possible amendment, which the Minister had outlined. This includes section 189 of the LRA relating to retrenchment and provisions of the Insolvency Act, which Cosatu now proposed to address through strike action.
The Minister expressed his determination to pursue the accepted legislative process and said there would be no short cuts. A legal drafting team appointed by the Minister had already begun work with the Department of Labour to prepare amendments Bills. Once approved by cabinet, the amendments would be tabled in Nedlac, where Cosatu and other stakeholders were fully represented, and in parliament. "There is no other legislative route," the Minister said.
All stakeholders, including government, wished to see the speedy conclusion of the process. The urgency with which Cosatu regarded aspects of the proposed amendments would best be addressed through demonstrating a willingness to participate with other stakeholders in a manner which would indeed ensure this.
The Minister questioned the wisdom of the proposed 10 May general strike, which both pre-empted and threatened to undermine the good faith demonstrated by all stakeholders in addressing concerns in a constructive and non-confrontational manner. He said it was difficult to see how the protest action would contribute to achieving the national goals of labour relations stability and improved economic growth, investment and job creation prospects in the country.
Issued by the Ministry of Labour
Contact: Annette Griessel
Tel: 012 309 4788
Cell: 082 887 3581