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Workers' rights gained under democracy must be preserved for future generations – Nxesi

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Labour and Employment Minister Thulas Nxesi was confident more jobs would be created.
Labour and Employment Minister Thulas Nxesi was confident more jobs would be created.
Deaan Vivier

NEWS


Since the ANC came into power 30 years ago, government has made significant strides in enhancing working conditions and defending workers' rights. Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi acknowledged these efforts on Wednesday. 

Nxesi said, since the dawn of democracy in 1994, workers' rights to organise and join unions, participate in collective bargaining, and go on strike have been protected by the Constitution, the Labour Relations Act and other legal frameworks.

In his International Workers' Day message on Wednesday, which was celebrated under the 30 Years of Freedom theme, Nxesi emphasised that the achievements of the democratic government have to be preserved for the generations that will join the workforce in future.

“There is much at stake here, which needs to be conserved and safeguarded for future generations of workers,” Nxesi said.

READ: Workers' Day and the youth | Just another day for many, while others yearn for respect, rest

As the country approaches the general elections on 29 May, Nxesi highlighted the important role played by entities under his department, such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in job retention and creation.

He said that government laws, such as the National Minimum Wage Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which guaranteed workers' rights to overtime pay; and paid maternity, parental and adoption leave had helped to lessen the widespread worker exploitation that occurred during apartheid.

Nxesi said:

In relation to social protection, the Compensation Fund and the UIF have been supporting the sick, injured and unemployed workers, and women on maternity leave. In relation to safe, healthy and decent working conditions, there is the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, and the work of the labour inspectors.

READ: Ramaphosa calls for a return of land to 'those who worked it', and an end to farm evictions

“In relation to conditions of employment, there is the enforcement of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the National Minimum Wage Act, introduced in 2019.”

He said Workers’ Day was an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, made possible by the Constitution, which have ensured dignity for all workers.

Nxesi said that, despite initial concerns about job losses, the national minimum wage increase to R27.58 from R25.42 as of 1 March 2024, had improved working conditions for many.

He said:

The national minimum wage immediately improved the working conditions of some 6 million vulnerable workers.

With regard to the transformation of the workplace to reflect South Africa’s diversity in terms of race, gender and disability, the minister said the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention of Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace and the Employment Equality Act and its regulations had gone a long way in ensuring this. He also hailed the rights of trade unions, employers' organisation and employers to engage in collective bargaining as guaranteed by the Labour Relations Act.

“In relation to the strengthening of collective bargaining and workers' rights, the operation of the Labour Relations Act and the establishment of the robust system of industrial engagements, as well as the work of the CCMA have been supporting this system and facilitating the settlements of disputes,” Nxesi said.

He added:

The bargaining system also underpins a much broader system of social dialogue to address wider societal issues led by the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), which is recognised for best practice globally. It was in Nedlac that we developed an all-of-society response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nxesi further said that, despite the country’s unemployment crisis, with the official rate at 32.1%, he remained optimistic about more jobs being added to the economy. He pointed out that the unemployment rate had returned to pre-Covid levels, which indicated a recovery in the millions of jobs lost during the pandemic.


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