Issued by Department of Labour
2 June 2000
Cosatu today ended its sit-in at the Nedlac offices in Johannesburg following discussions with the Minister of Labour and the Director General of Labour, Advocate Rams Ramashia.
The Minister of Labour held a telephonic discussion with Cosatu leaders this morning on the federation's concerns regarding the seniority of government's delegation at yesterday's Nedlac meeting. He also sent his Department's Director General to personally convey his message to the Cosatu national office bearers.
Adv Ramashia, who is the overall convenor of the government delegation in Nedlac, said at a press conference with Cosatu today that government regretted the confusion regarding the terms of reference of yesterday's meeting.
Government had regarded yesterday's meeting as a preparatory meeting arising from the Nedlac Executive Council meeting on 19 May, which had been attended by the Ministers of Labour, Finance and Public Works.
The understanding had been that yesterday's meeting would process issues in preparation for the next high-level meeting on 19 June, the Special Executive Council and that it would not discuss substantive issues. Government's delegation to the meeting had therefore included duly-mandated top government officials who were well-placed to prepare for the 19 June meeting. The government delegation included three Deputy Directors General from the Departments of Labour and Trade and Industry and the advisor of the Minister of Trade and Industry.
Ramashia said the Minister of Labour had given a firm commitment that he would lead a further high-level government delegation including other key cabinet members to attend the 19 June Special Executive Council.
Ramashia said following discussions with Cosatu that agreement had been reached on a process to ensure that the 19 June Executive would effectively address the substantive issues relating to the country's job creation strategy.
Government regarded job creation as a top priority and remained committed to intensify efforts to address the unemployment crisis. The importance of social dialogue and the role of Nedlac in this regard would be critical.