A Multiparty delegation holds a consultative meeting in Amajuba District
A Multiparty delegation led by the Chair of Chairs Hon Sipho Gcabashe held a consultative meeting with all stakeholders in the employment / work sector in Amajuba District with a view to gain insight into challenges facing employers and employees in the that part of the province. This “scoping exercise will inform the issues to be discussed and debated during the Workers’ Parliament, taking place in the same district on the 21-22 May 2015”, said the Chair of Chairs.
Multiparty delegation in session preparing for the consultative forum meeting with Chair of Chairs Hon Sipho Gcabashe (far right wearing a jacket) chairing the meeting
The focus was on major sectors such as Textile, Steel, Farming and even Retail. Addressing the stakeholders Hon Gcabashe emphasised the need for workers and employees to adhere to legislation so that work environment becomes a better place for all. “We are not here to solve problems but we are here to provide a facilitative platform for problem areas to be identified so that all stakeholders are aware of their critical role in ensuring a working environment that is hassles free”.
Hon Gcabashe delivers introductory remarks and touches on the core mandate of the legislature, namely, Law Making, Public Participation and Oversight.
When the Department of Labour Head of Inspectors Mr S. Nkosi delivered a talk, he shared with the meeting some of the challenges facing the labour sector in the District as follows: Failure of both employees and employers to comply with some of the labour legislations such a safety, adherence to Employment Equity, some Foreign Nationals who are employers fail to understand some of the legislations as they are written in English and often cannot read and understand English, failure of stakeholders to attend public hearings called by Labour when introducing a new legislation or seeking input into a new legislation etc.
Union Representatives and ordinary workers had an opportunity to ask questions and share their views on labour legislations.
Union Representatives were also present and made important input including citing a number of challenges for instance companies that hire staff outside of the district yet working in the district. The delegation had assured stakeholders that all the issues raised will form part of the report to be presented at the Workers’ Parliament in order to seek lasting solutions to the problems.
