/ 25 June 2003

Unions chide Leon over labour criticisms

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has sharply criticised statements made earlier this week by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon on labour legislation.

Addressing the South African-German Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Leon called for, among other things, the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) to be scrapped and for labour laws to be ”rolled back”.

In a statement on Wednesday, Fedusa general secretary Chez Milani said it was clear Leon was unaware of the multifaceted role played by Nedlac in ensuring social dialogue took place between the tripartheid stakeholders.

In terms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention, which government had ratified, government was required to consult the social partners on matters of social and economic importance.

”Parliament forms only one part of the legislative process and often has neither the time, nor the expertise at its disposal to engage in extended discussions and negotiations with stakeholders.

”Nedlac is not a wage bargaining council for labour, as Mr Leon implies, and was never intended to be a transitional institution,” Milani said.

Internationally, many industrial giants — chiefly the Scandinavian countries, Europe and Ireland — had structures such as Nedlac, which had proved highly successful in ensuring stability, economic growth and encouraging dialogue.

Fedusa did not support any recommendations that the labour laws be rolled back, and would view this as a step backwards.

”The South African labour laws are fair, internationally lauded and essential in a developing economy such as that of our country.”

If Leon had specific concerns regarding specific areas of the labour legislation, these should be raised.

Fedusa would ask him to pay Nedlac a visit and evaluate the benefits of the institution on this basis, rather than rely on misguided perceptions of its role, Milani said. – Sapa