THURSDAY, 8.00AM
LABOUR minister Tito Mboweni warned labour and business leaders yesterday that if they feel to reach agreement on the disputed conditions of employment bill, he will pull it back from Parliament.
Mboweni said it would be of great concern to the ANC if the bill, which aims to improve the conditions of vulnerable and marginalised workers, could not be passed this year. But it would have no value if there was no broad support for it.
Mboweni’s remarks appear to be a direct challenge to the unions, which have urged him to cease negotiations with business over the bill and take it direct to Parliament.
Mboweni has met separately with both business and labour leaders this week, with business leaders objecting to the cost implications of the bill, reduction of working hours and the minister’s new powers. Labour leaders discussed demands fora 40 hour week, more paid maternity leave, outlawing child labour and Sunday work.