Cape Chamber signs accord with Cosatu

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and the Congress of South African Trade Unions have signed an agreement on co-operation, the first of its kind between a regional business organisation and a labour movement.

The agreement was signed in Cape Town on Monday, 26 September 2011, and commits the chamber, as a business representative to support the creation of decent work and opportunities and to ensure that all its member companies follow the legislative rules.

Business Live says that the two parties have pledged to improve the environment for business to create more work opportunities for the unemployed and these initiatives will include the Government's Procurement Policy and the new Skills Accord.

The accord commits both parties to replicate what is being done on a national scale.

Business Live says that currently the unemployment level in the Western Cape is at 22% - slightly lower than the national average of 25% - and while the province is likely to grow by 4,2% in terms of its gross domestic product, much higher figures than this are needed before any meaningful impact will be made on creating jobs.

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