Labour Min assures workers their rights will be upheld
Posted 14th August 2008 at 05:38 PM by NewsTracker
Updated 18th August 2008 at 01:49 PM by NewsTracker
Updated 18th August 2008 at 01:49 PM by NewsTracker
By Edwin Tshivhidzo, tel: (012) 314-2454
Thohoyandou – Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has assured workers in Limpopo that his department would ensure that labour laws and their rights are adhered to.
Speaking during his department’s imbizo in Makonde on Thursday, Minister Mdladlana said it was his department’s duty to ensure that workers’ rights were not trampled upon.
“Our responsibility is to unite people and promote workers’ rights. I get angry when workers’ rights are trampled upon,” he said.
Minister Mdladlana started his two-day imbizo in Limpopo by visiting a local Citrus Farm in Tshivhilwi, about 30km from Thohoyandou.
The farm, which exports its products locally and abroad, employs 80 workers, of which 15 are men and 65 are women.
Speaking to BuaNews, farm owner Israel Nemaorani said although there were challenges in running a farm, he tried his best to abide by the labour laws.
Mr Nemaorani said he was not scared about the minister’s visit to his farm as he was adhering to labour laws and workers rights.
“I always try to abide by the law and treat my employees in a good manner,” he said.
One of the employees on the farm, Mathoma Avhapfani, 57, said he was happy to work at the farm.
“I am happy with the working conditions and when I have problems, I discuss it with my employer and we always understand each other.
“I don’t see myself leaving the farm and working elsewhere, I am happy here,” he said.
One of the Labour Inspectors told BuaNews that in most instances, employers took advantage of their employees by not adhering to the sectoral determination resulting in employees receiving unfair wages.
He said most employers also contravened the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to bring about and maintain a reasonable practicable work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of workers.
Inspectors from the department continuously conduct work place inspections countrywide to ensure labour law compliance.
This is to ensure compliance to labour laws by employers.
Employers found not adhering to labour laws are fined or given written warnings. - BuaNews
Thohoyandou – Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has assured workers in Limpopo that his department would ensure that labour laws and their rights are adhered to.
Speaking during his department’s imbizo in Makonde on Thursday, Minister Mdladlana said it was his department’s duty to ensure that workers’ rights were not trampled upon.
“Our responsibility is to unite people and promote workers’ rights. I get angry when workers’ rights are trampled upon,” he said.
Minister Mdladlana started his two-day imbizo in Limpopo by visiting a local Citrus Farm in Tshivhilwi, about 30km from Thohoyandou.
The farm, which exports its products locally and abroad, employs 80 workers, of which 15 are men and 65 are women.
Speaking to BuaNews, farm owner Israel Nemaorani said although there were challenges in running a farm, he tried his best to abide by the labour laws.
Mr Nemaorani said he was not scared about the minister’s visit to his farm as he was adhering to labour laws and workers rights.
“I always try to abide by the law and treat my employees in a good manner,” he said.
One of the employees on the farm, Mathoma Avhapfani, 57, said he was happy to work at the farm.
“I am happy with the working conditions and when I have problems, I discuss it with my employer and we always understand each other.
“I don’t see myself leaving the farm and working elsewhere, I am happy here,” he said.
One of the Labour Inspectors told BuaNews that in most instances, employers took advantage of their employees by not adhering to the sectoral determination resulting in employees receiving unfair wages.
He said most employers also contravened the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to bring about and maintain a reasonable practicable work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of workers.
Inspectors from the department continuously conduct work place inspections countrywide to ensure labour law compliance.
This is to ensure compliance to labour laws by employers.
Employers found not adhering to labour laws are fined or given written warnings. - BuaNews
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