Changes to labour law face further hold-up

The government admitted that amendments to SA's labour laws may take much longer than expected due to the effect of the changes on working people, Business Day reports. The Department of Labour acknowledged the fact that many government deadlines have been missed and that two of the four proposed amendment bills remain in limbo at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, (Nedlac).

According to Labour director-general Nkosinathi Nhleko, the department was overseeing several legislative amendments as part of an effort to improve service delivery while keeping job-creation initiatives going. He said the process to amend, and in some cases repeal, certain laws was a medium-to long-term process, which would also include public participation.

At a meeting with organised business and labour unions, Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant said that of the four bills, the Labour Relations Amendment Bill and the Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Bill would reach government subcommittees next month. The bills would then go to the Cabinet in April and finally Parliament in May. The bills have been in the pipeline for about two years.

Read the full article on www.businessday.co.za.