STATEMENT BY SOUTH AFRICA’S MINISTER OF LABOUR, MR TITO MBOWENI, TO THE 85TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE 13 JUNE 1997 GENEVA
Madame President Director General of the International Labour Office,
May I take this opportunity to congratulate the Director General of the ILO for presenting us with a report that addresses the economic and social challenges confronting the world of work in this era of globalisation.
We reaffirm our support for the role of the ILO in setting international labour standards. We are heartened that others from our continent share our view. The OAU view has already been presented by the Honourable Paul Etiang, the chairperson of the OAU’s Labour and Social Affairs Commission.
The ratification of the ILO’s core conventions remains an important task for all states. This will contribute towards the uniform application of international standards.
The experiences of several countries around the world have demonstrated that sustainable world-class economic competitiveness and development should go hand in hand with acceptable labour standards, where worker rights, social justice and human dignity are respected and valued.
It is crucial that the benefits of globalisation are shared equitably, within countries and between countries. Globalisation must enhance the quality of life for humanity, particularly workers.
Globalisation has become a reality. It has positive aspects which we ought to embrace. But it also has negative consequences. We must develop ways of effectively managing the negative effects of globalisation.
It would be short-sighted of us whose economies are struggling to meet the challenges of globalisation to believe we can gain a competitive edge over other countries by undermining basic labour standards. Sooner, rather than later, the super-exploited will rise to demand fair treatment.
Equally, it would be short-sighted of the more developed countries to try to use high labour standards to perpetuate the inequalities between the north and south. Labour standards should not be used as a smokescreen for protectionism.
We should develop an international consensus on labour standards and this kind of consensus can only be achieved through ongoing dialogue which enables us to understand and appreciate the specific conditions in different countries.
There should be respect for a programme of fundamental rights of workers. Formulating and monitoring such minimum labour standards should reinforce tripartite consultation not undermine it.
The Director General’s proposals have particular relevance for us in South Africa.
We have vigorous programmes to promote human rights and to eradicate discrimination in our workplaces and society.
We are promoting freedom of association and organisation to enhance collective bargaining and joint decision-making. We are against forced labour and children who are 15 and younger must be at school, not at work. We promote the interests of women as workers and in society.
In closing, may I appeal to all of us here to support the standard-setting mechanisms of the ILO and to begin to discuss how best we can address the negative consequences of globalisation, while taking full advantage of the benefits which it promises.
Thank you.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR: SOUTH AFRICA