By Akani Nkuna
The Congress of SA Trade Unions and the SAFederation of Trade Unions have vowed that they will do whatever it takes to defend the country’s labour laws that are currently being discussed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac).
The first phase of the Nedlac engagements, which involved four labour federations over the past two years,is due to be concluded soon.
The draft Labour Relations and Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Bills will then go to the State Law Advisor for certification and then to Cabinet for initial approval.
Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has criticised those who were opposed to the labour regulations, including the Democratic Alliance. They contend that minimum wage laws and worker protection hinder job creation.
Labour also disagrees that their demands for living wages contribute to unemployment.
“The aim is to disarm the bargaining power of labour, making it easy for employers to hire and fire workers at will. Put differently, the proposed labour amendments are not merely technical legal proposals for precision or efficiency.
“These laws reflect the brazen class warfare waged by the capitalist class and a government that does its bidding,” he said in a statement.
According to Saftu, the proposed labour amendments include no need for a formal hearing before a worker is fired.
Vavi said other possible changes included no rights for new and young workers in relation to dismissals, unfair labour practices, labour brokers and short-term contracts.
However, Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks said on Wednesday that some concerns had been addressed.
“We welcome major progressive proposals that have been made to enhance workers’ rights, including atypical workers, protecting the value of the National Minimum Wage and improving provisions for workers during retrenchments amongst others,” said Parks.
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