THURSDAY, 8.30AM
BUSINESS leaders have rejected the two week deadline imposed on them by Cosatu, saying they will not make decisions under duress to meet unilaterial deadlines. Cosatu leader Sam Shilowa delivered the ultimatum yesterday to the offices of Business South Africa.
Adrian Du Plessis, chief negotiator for Business South Africa, accused Cosatu of reneging on the protocol of the negotiating chamber, giving “preference to protest over dialogue”. Cosatu’s demands include six months maternity leave, of which four months are paid, a legislated 40 hour week, and no employment of persons under 18. Du Plessis said business was not opposed to all aspects of Cosatu’s demands, and there were certain areas of agreement, and others where agreement was possible.
THURSDAY, 4.30PM
LABOUR Minister Tito Mboweni is meeting representatives of Business SA on Thursday afternoon to discuss the dispute over the Basic Conditions of Employment Bill.
The meeting, called at the request of BSA, will be attended by BSA representatives Leslie Boyd, who is BSA deputy president, negotiator Adrian du Plessis, Anglogold chairman Bobby Godsell and SA Chamber of Business director general Raymond Parsons. A representative from the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce is also expected to attend.