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Oliphant warns of ‘turbulent’ times for labour
According to Sapa, on Tuesday labour minister Mildred Oliphant warned of turbulence in the labour market. Developments in the labour front signify a potential turbulent period ahead, stated Oliphant at a National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) conference in Pretoria.
On Monday, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) announced it would strike in both the platinum and gold sectors after issuing employers with strike notices, reports Sapa.
At the conference, Oliphant stated that job growth was the most important challenge for 2014.
"We also hope that this year will buck the trend of 2013 that saw a higher number of new contract jobs than permanent jobs,” said Oliphant.
This aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to create 2.8 million new jobs by 2015.
"There are also some who are clearly of the view that our labour legislation is too restrictive and that the South African labour market is over-regulated. We certainly don't think so."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) recently announced its policies ahead of the national elections, calling for a relaxation of labour regulation to help create jobs. In response, Oliphant said government is aiming for an approach of "regulated flexibility", reports Sapa.
"Regulated flexibility accepts the necessity of regulation, and the need for flexibility. The key issue is finding the right balance. So, let us make progress by focusing on the details and on striking the right balance in our labour legislation,” concluded Oliphant.
