Clothing industry seeks to solve 'phase-in compliance policy'
A new industry body, United Clothing and Textiles Association (UCTA), an umbrella body currently representing more than 300 compliant clothing companies that employ over 28 000 workers has been formed to engage with the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union, the Clothing Bargaining Council and government.
It has been motivated by ongoing wage negotiations, which have been highlighted through the labour actions within the clothing sector in Newcastle.
Its objective is to promote the interest of its members, to affiliate with and participate in the affairs of any local and international employers' organisation and to promote, support or oppose any proposed legislative or other measures affecting the interest of its members.
Its current mandate is to find an equable and sustainable solution to the current 'Phase-in Compliance Policy'. It believes that thousands more people in South Africa will find themselves unemployed and the economic results will be devastating to their communities, the local economy and national economy, if action is taken against the hundreds of clothing companies that cannot meet the terms of the 'Phase-in Compliance Policy'.
An interim committee has been formed with Ahmed Paruk as chairperson, Alex Liu as vice chair and Renato Palmi as media relations.
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