THURSDAY, 11.30AM
THE Congress of SA Trade Unions is to go ahead with its threatened rolling mass action in support of demands on the Basic Conditions of Employment Bill, starting with a one-hour national work stoppage on Monday, but has opened the way for a resumption of talks between itself, government and business on the contentious Bill by softening its previous uncompromising position on the Bill.
At a Cosatu executive committee meeting on Tuesday there was heated debate about the risk of the Bill not being tabled in Parliament, as had been threatened by Labour Minister Tito Mboweni should business and labour not agree on the Bill. Cosatu was under additional pressure following the African National Congress national working committee’s endorsement of the Bill as it stands.
On Wednesday, Cosatu general secretary Sam Shilowa said the executive committee had mandated the leadership to “explore possibilities of a settlement with the ANC”.
In response, business indicated it would be prepared to modify its own hardline position. If the parties agree, it will ensure tabling of the Bill in Parliament this year.